It has been quite a season for Kai Havertz. He is fast becoming the key man at Arsenal. Having flopped during his time at Chelsea, the German international is now thriving under Mikel Arteta. Six goals and one assist in just ten games mean Havertz is showing the form Arsenal fans had hoped for when he joined. But more importantly, his role in training and matches may be softening the blow of Martin Odegaard’s injury absence.
Kai Havertz: Perfect Replacement for Odegaard
The Independent’s Miguel Delaney recently had a few words on Havertz’s training. Apparently, Havertz was occupying spaces similar to those Martin Odegaard used in training. Arsenal sources have picked on this. And it tends to suggest Havertz is now taking on playmaker duties while Odegaard is away.
Delaney pointed out in his newsletter that Havertz has really adapted to that role well. His movements on the training ground have paralleled Odegaard’s and this is reflecting in his game performances. With that, Arteta has been able to cope better without the Norwegian captain.
Mikel Arteta’s Faith In Kai Havertz
Mikel Arteta has spoken positively about Kai Havertz’s form this season. He said something has “clicked” for the player and much of that comes from gaining real confidence. Havertz usually struggled to find his form at Chelsea. But playing for Arsenal seems to make him relax more into the role.
Arteta has also praised Havertz for his versatility, massive. The German forward has played a number of positions and steps into a deeper creative role. This is what Odegaard did most of the time. Through belief from Arteta, Arsenal is thus able to hold on to their attacking fluidity despite the absence of Odegaard.
Comparing Havertz with Firmino
Another interesting point that Delaney has made is when he compared Havertz to Roberto Firmino. Firmino, in his time at Liverpool, was one of the masters of the false nine. He drifted the ball in between lines of attack and midfield. According to him, Havertz may be the great successor to Firmino in a certain sense.
At Chelsea, Havertz was often the false nine, but never truly thrived in the position. Here at Arsenal, the role has been adjusted a little to focus on his strength. Though he still contributes both as a forward and plays in a playmaking role. The shift puts even more value on his presence without Odegaard at least for now to Arteta’s system.
Havertz’s Impact on Arsenal
Havertz has really changed the game since taking on more of Odegaard’s responsibilities. After all, Odegaard is a player who so often shines with a better vision and creativity that people attribute to him due to his brilliant setup of crucial attacks. Havertz is not quite like that, though he is sensible enough to read the game and make the right runs.
His six goals this season have, of course, highlighted his attacking prowess. But, arguably, his positioning has been equally important. He’s found pockets of space, just like Odegaard, which allows Arsenal to break down opposition defenses. By doing so, he’s kept the team’s attacking flow intact.
A Long Wait Before Odegaard’s Comeback
Odegaard’s injury has been a huge dent to Arsenal. The Norwegian midfielder is one of the team’s best players. And there is no doubt that they have really missed him. Manager of Norway, Stale Solbakken, thinks Odegaard “is a long way away” from returning. That is, after all some very unfortunate news for the Gunners fans. But Havertz’s form could easily be a silver lining.
With the consistency of Havertz, the urgency for the return of Odegaard has reduced. Of course, the play-making qualities of Odegaard are unparalleled. But Havertz has done an excellent job of bridging this gap until now.
Arsenal Shining Despite Various Challenges
Odegaard’s injury has been a huge dent to Arsenal. The Norwegian midfielder is one of the team’s best players. And there is no doubt that they have really missed him. Manager of Norway, Stale Solbakken, thinks Odegaard “is a long way away” from returning. That is, after all some very unfortunate news for the Gunners fans. But Havertz’s form could easily be a silver lining.
With the consistency of Havertz, the urgency for the return of Odegaard has reduced. Of course, the play-making qualities of Odegaard are unparalleled. But Havertz has done an excellent job of bridging this gap until now.
Conclusion
One of the most impressive rises at Arsenal is that of Kai Havertz. Whose ability to take on creative responsibilities while still looking for his goals hasn’t made the absence of Martin Odegaard quite as devastating as it could have been. So as long as he can keep this sort of form going, Havertz will be one crucial piece to Arsenal’s winning puzzle this season.
But as of now it sure that the Arsenal fans are enjoying every bit of Kai Havertz’s masterclass. But it will be more interesting to know if they can finally get their hands on the Premier League Title. Title, which they have lost on so close occasions. And can they make this their year by doing something spectacular in the Premier League, only time will tell.
A trusted source on GoonerNews.comFor more football updates, make sure to follow us on:
