What is Kai Havertz’s best position for Arsenal?
That’s a question that must’ve played on Mikel Arteta’s mind all year long.
The German has played in midfield, as a number 10, on the wings and in the attack throughout the season, and he’s played a deeper role more often than not as of late.
Indeed, Havertz has spent recent weeks playing as a midfielder for Arsenal, but according to Paul Merson, speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (2/12/23 12:15PM), Havertz now needs to change position again, claiming that he should be playing up front now after a good goal against Brentford last week.
Havertz should play up front
Merson shared his verdict on Havertz.
“This is unbelievable play by Havertz, it is movement at its best. I think he should play up front. That was centre-forward movement in my opinion he drifts behind defenders and it’s a great header. Confidence, every player will tell you, if you can bottle one thing it’s confidence,” Merson said.
Not clinical enough
We’ve spent the last few months hearing how Arsenal need a clinical number nine, a la Ivan Toney, in order to reach the next level, and now we’re hearing that Kai Havertz should play up front, something doesn’t add up here.
Simply put, Havertz isn’t clinical enough to play as a number nine. He’s never hit 10 league goals in a Premier League season, and he only has one open play goal in the league this term for Arsenal.
Yes, Havertz may be at his best when he’s played as a centre-forward, but it’s probably not in the best interests of the team to use the German in the attack in this way.
Finding Havertz’s best position isn’t an easy task, and despite his recent good form, he remains a mystery of a player.