After Kai Havertz made his Gunners debut in a friendly match against FC Nurnberg yesterday, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the German.
Bukayo Saka’s superb strike gave Mikel Arteta’s team the lead midway through the first half, but the Gunners faltered in the second half, allowing the hosts to tie the game.
However, Havertz’s debut in yesterday’s game was the main story, and Arteta expressed his excitement at having him on Arsenal.com.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, calls Kai Havertz a major talent.
Kai Havertz was acquired by Arsenal last month for £65 million from Chelsea (Sky Sports).
The German didn’t exactly have a nice day at Stamford Bridge. Yes, he scored the goal that gave them the Champions League, but his overall efforts fell short of the expectations.
But Arteta recognised something in him that led him to part with his cash. Havertz plays for Arsenal, and the Spaniard stated Wednesday that he now has access to a “big talent.”
He praised Havertz, saying, “Really good. He’s definitely blending in, in my opinion. He’s a great player with a great moral character, and we have a lot of potential that we need to utilise to the fullest.
Arteta responded at his press conference, as reported by Football London, when asked why he chose to sign him: “The talent, the quality, the physicality and the goal threat that he has showed over the previous several years.
“I believe it to be true that we must determine the best way to adjust him. On that pitch, he needs to develop some relationships, but so far he’s adjusting pretty well, and we’re thrilled to have him.
When asked if he would take the place of Granit Xhaka, Arteta responded, “No. He won’t be an exact match because everyone will be significantly different from what Granit offered us. Even though it will be significantly different, Kai offers great traits for our style of play.
Arteta, Mikel Photograph of Kai Havertz taken by Justin Setterfield for Arsenal
Havertz is a highly intriguing acquisition for Arsenal.
Although Arteta stated yesterday that the German wasn’t hired to replace Xhaka, he was used in the Swiss international’s position against FC Nurnberg in the second half.
Although Havertz didn’t play his best yesterday, it was his first game with his new teammates, thus it wouldn’t be fair to condemn him after only 45 minutes.
Next up for Arsenal is a match against the MLS All-Stars, and it will be intriguing to see if Havertz starts.
