The Question: How Big a Problem is Havertz’s Form for Arsenal?
Havertz’s signing is an ambitious venture by Arsenal but they appear willing to take a risk with him as an option who could make a significant difference for the club in key positions.
At Arsenal’s primary formation, he could play either as left centre-mid or box midfielder – an intelligent move would be to bring in Benteke as support for Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka in this position.
1. He hasn’t scored a goal
Havertz has had a promising start at Arsenal in terms of possession and chance creation; however, he has yet to score for them and provided more ammunition for doubters when he sloppily turned down a pass during Marcus Rashford’s goal in their draw with Fulham last weekend.
As it remains early days for Havertz at Arsenal, his technical level and instincts for finding pockets of space to receive and advance the ball are high. Havertz has an exceptional understanding of when to sneak into the box to meet crosses or pullbacks – creating many chances during his time with Bayer Leverkusen.
Additionally, he was one of Chelsea’s most efficient pressing out-of-possession players last season, earning himself one of their Player of the Season awards for doing so. Arsenal will benefit greatly from having such a talented young talent on board; though as with most young talent transfers it could take some time before his full potential can be realized.
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2. He hasn’t created a goal
Havertz’s ability has never been in question since arriving in London last summer, yet the 24-year-old has struggled for goals. While excelling in various areas of play, this issue lies with finishing.
His goalless run could have been due to his positioning within the team; however, this should not be used as an excuse. He’s been asked to play as an out and out striker when many would suggest this is not his natural position.
Havertz excelled as a false nine at Leverkusen and Mikel Arteta should find ways to bring out his full potential in that role, enabling Havertz to flourish as intended by his talents. Should Mikel Arteta manage to extract more out of Havertz by giving him room to blossom as the Gunners may be in for a pleasant surprise – it is clear Havertz has big-time potential but this stage remains very early for former Chelsea starlet
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3. He hasn’t been involved in a goal
Havertz may not have registered any goals this season, but that should not be taken as an indication of anything less than outstanding play from him. He excels with both ball control and pressing to create opportunities.
He’s also impressive in the air. He sits in the 90th percentile in Europe’s five leagues for open-play headed big chances and won 2.76 aerial duels per 90 minutes this season, the highest mark among his Gunners teammates.
But where he fits is less clear; at Chelsea he was deployed as a central striker but that doesn’t appear to be his ideal role. Instead he has often been found pairing with quick wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli or dovetailing with runners like Leandro Trossard, which could prove instrumental in helping him settle in north London.
4. He hasn’t been involved in a goal scoring opportunity
Havertz was always going to be judged on more than just his goal-scoring ability when signing for Chelsea FC, and so far his signing has proven itself accordingly. An outstanding technician on the ball with an understated style that draws comparisons with Dimitar Berbatov or even Robin Van Persie has been made.
Off the ball work has also been outstanding – an aspect many have missed. He won more aerial duels last season (excluding defenders ) than Tomas Soucek, Ivan Toney and Aleksandar Mitrovic combined at winning them, and with greater success rate.
But the key question remains whether Havertz can make the necessary improvements to his shooting to justify his PS65million price tag. Although this will take time, for now he appears as an invaluable addition to Arsenal and one who could prove vital when facing their top rivals, such as Manchester United. Arsenal are already gearing up for what may become a potential showdown between them both and it seems likely Havertz will feature prominently as part of their midfield lineup.