Mikel Arteta and Kai Havertz (Image: Getty)
Mikel Arteta is urged to make a substantial change to Kai Havertz’s position, which could bring out the best in him.
Former Arsenal striker, Lukas Podolski, has urged the Gunners to make a tactical switch with Kai Havertz to fully unlock his potential. Podolski believes that Havertz, who has been playing as a false nine, would be more effective behind a traditional striker.
Since joining Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, Havertz has been deployed in various positions, including as a left-sided number eight and as a false nine. While he has shown flashes of brilliance in these roles, Podolski feels that Havertz’s true potential lies in a different position.
Podolski told talkSPORT, “I don’t know if when he was younger his position was a proper number nine, but for me, he’s not a classic number nine striker. He does well, but I think when you put Kai behind a good striker, he has more potential.” Podolski believes that Havertz’s versatility and ability to link play would be better utilized in a deeper role, where he can create opportunities for a more prolific centre-forward.
Podolski also suggested that Arsenal should consider signing a prolific centre-forward in the next transfer window to complement Havertz. He mentioned players like Alexander Isak of Newcastle United as potential targets who could thrive alongside Havertz in the final third.