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Judging Kai Havertz based on last season makes little sense when considering Chelsea were such a mess.
Chelsea have so many special players yet the entire squad was below par!
Kai Havertz in the right environment is a top player. That is, and has always been, obvious..
THREAD!
Chelsea have so many special players yet the entire squad was below par!
Kai Havertz in the right environment is a top player. That is, and has always been, obvious..
THREAD!
Mikel Arteta's system is one that suits Havertz.
Havertz started as a 'raumdeuter', akin to Thomas Müller & Dele Alli, but largely evolved under Tuchel where he combined his ability to attack the box from deep & link play between the lines whilst being a focal point in the #9.
Havertz started as a 'raumdeuter', akin to Thomas Müller & Dele Alli, but largely evolved under Tuchel where he combined his ability to attack the box from deep & link play between the lines whilst being a focal point in the #9.
Havertz is really good as a #9 because of his physical stature which means he's a presence up front but is also technical in tight spaces, can drop deep to create for others directly or indirectly via space in behind, and can attack space to score goals himself.
Where Havertz struggles, though, is relative to his ability as an outlet as he's not the cleanest technician in the world, can't carry reliably, lacks the mobility and intensity to run the channels with regularity, and has an upright posture whilst arguably lacking muscle mass.
This isn't to say Havertz isn't an outlet, because he can be, but he's not on the level of someone like Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah in that regard who's body types are more conducive to retaining possession, engaging in duels, running the channels, and carrying in transition.
Not only does this have negative implications in transition-based games, but it also has negative consequences against deep blocks as Havertz can lack strength when playing with his back to goal.
Combine that with his subpar ball-striking & he's not the most complete forward...
Combine that with his subpar ball-striking & he's not the most complete forward...
Modern day #9's are typically good at everything whereas Havertz is closer to an old-school false #9 who have recently become relatively outdated in profile with more complete #9's like Gakpo, Benzema, Harry Kane, Vlahovic, and the like starting for the biggest and best teams.
HOWEVER, I say he is a good fit in Arteta's system for a reason. In fact, there is a lot of untapped potential with Kai Havertz.
He really hasn't had the best of luck so far in his career in terms of environments, and when he did under Tuchel he was the difference in a CL final.
He really hasn't had the best of luck so far in his career in terms of environments, and when he did under Tuchel he was the difference in a CL final.
At Arsenal, the expectation on Havertz wouldn't be to match a Haaland in terms of output.
They have Saka, Martinelli, Ødegaard (and whoever their new #8 will be) attacking the box from deep to contribute to goals, on top of their firepower outside of that (Jesus, Trossard, etc).
They have Saka, Martinelli, Ødegaard (and whoever their new #8 will be) attacking the box from deep to contribute to goals, on top of their firepower outside of that (Jesus, Trossard, etc).
The real difference maker for Arsenal next season is about them transitioning into a team that have the quality to control games irrespective of who plays, akin to City under Pep.
Arsenal crumbled last season as soon as several injuries hit - they HAVE to address that issue.
Arsenal crumbled last season as soon as several injuries hit - they HAVE to address that issue.
If they solve that and control games with greater reliability, Havertz would prove to be a fine addition as a #9 because he wouldn't have major responsibility in the team relative to other #9's.
Arsenal would control games behind him + have many goalscorers alongside him.
Arsenal would control games behind him + have many goalscorers alongside him.
That way, Havertz could excel as he could focus on combining between the lines, attacking the box from deep, creating space for others in attack & linking play. Then, he could regain his confidence & excel even further as a player.
He does have an 'elegant' streak in his locker.
He does have an 'elegant' streak in his locker.
However, despite the player-club fit being good from Havertz' perspective, Arteta and Arsenal should only pursue the deal as a luxury item.
The club have more important roles and voids in the squad to fill.
Arsenal need a #6, an #8, & technical depth in defence and on the wing.
The club have more important roles and voids in the squad to fill.
Arsenal need a #6, an #8, & technical depth in defence and on the wing.
Havertz may have untapped potential, but is he really going to surpass Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to the point where Arsenal should sign him over immediate squad priorities? I'm highly doubtful of that. Arsenal's current #9's are TOP players.
Their priorities lie elsewhere.
Their priorities lie elsewhere.
Even if Arteta was to use Havertz as a #10 with a guy like Ødegaard in the #8 role I wouldn't be convinced that the solution would be optimal because Havertz has a poor weak foot and doesn't strike through the ball particularly well so wouldn't excel as a #10 akin to Ødegaard.
If Havertz is available for a cut-price deal and Arteta + Arsenal sign him on top of other immediate priorities, then it would be understandable business, but if they sign the player over signing areas in the squad that need immediate addressing, it wouldn't be a wise decision 🛑
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