Kai Havertz delivers the perfect response to being labeled ‘weak,’ showcasing exactly why Arsenal should always keep him in the lineup.
Arsenal striker Kai Havertz has once again become a topic of debate despite proving Mikel Arteta right during his first season at the club.
Havertz’s £65 million move from Chelsea in 2023 raised eyebrows, given his modest return of 32 goals in 139 appearances for the Blues. The decision by Edu Gaspar and Arteta to bring him in as Arsenal’s new striker was seen as a gamble.
Although the German international initially struggled in North London, he eventually silenced his critics and established himself as a key part of Arteta’s attack. However, doubts have resurfaced.
Criticism from a Former Premier League Striker
Havertz faced fresh scrutiny after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before the international break. Returning to his former club, he had a mixed outing, with a disallowed goal for offside marring his performance.
Former Leeds United striker Michael Bridges was particularly harsh, calling Havertz “weak” and claiming the forward doesn’t understand the nuances of playing as a number nine. Even Arsène Wenger has expressed reservations about Havertz, highlighting Arsenal’s ongoing need for a dependable central striker despite the German’s contributions.
Havertz’s Importance to Arsenal
While some question his role, Havertz’s significance to Arsenal’s setup is becoming increasingly evident. The 6’3″ forward has proven to be a dominant presence in the air, ranking among the Premier League’s top five players for aerial duels won this season, with 37 victories—just one shy of Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
At Arsenal, Gabriel Magalhães is the second-best in aerial duels, with only 19 wins, underscoring Havertz’s unique contribution to the team.
Although he may not fit the traditional mold of a number nine, Havertz provides Arsenal with a skill set that is crucial to their style of play, proving that labeling him “weak” is an oversimplification of his abilities.
