Match Coverage

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler thinks Arsenal have a player who is ‘one of the best’ in his country

Add as preferred source on Google

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has admitted that he is wary of the threat that Arsenal pose.

Arsenal will welcome Brighton to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday for a Premier League clash. 

At least one of the two sides will lose their 100% record, having both made winning starts to the new campaign.

There could be at least one new face on display at the Emirates Stadium, too. Arsenal recently confirmed Mikel Merino’s arrival, and the Spanish midfielder could now feature against the Seagulls. 

However, even if the former Real Sociedad man doesn’t immediately come into Mikel Arteta’s team, the hosts still ought to have enough to beat the south coast club. 

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has now singled out one Arsenal player in particular who he feels will pose a real threat to his side.

Aston Villa FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images

Fabian Hurzeler hails Arsenal star Kai Havertz

Speaking in his press conference ahead of his side’s visit to North London, as shared by Hayters TV, the 31-year-old German coach hailed Kai Havertz.

Hurzeler said: “Havertz, I like the way he plays. For me, he’s one of the best German players we have, he’s like complete and all this acting behaviour on the pitch.”

Havertz will almost certainly lead the line for Arsenal on Saturday, especially with Gabriel Jesus currently having his injury assessed

Havertz’s transformation at Arsenal

When the 25-year-old arrived in North London from Chelsea last summer, Arteta had a very specific plan for him. Arsenal intended to reinvent Havertz as a midfielder.

However, when he joined the club he was clearly bereft of confidence and struggled to adapt to his new role. It was not until around the turn of the year, when he was shifted up front, that he really began to find his feet at Arsenal.

Since then, Havertz has gone from strength to strength, and is now the Gunners’ first choice striker.

Meanwhile, Arteta has reassessed his vision for midfield. Merino has signed to take on the role that was initially intended for Havertz last season, as the heir to Granit Xhaka. 

However, Arsenal still need Havertz to continue making progress. He has never been the most prolific centre-forward, but the pressure is now on him to show that he can fire Arsenal to a title triumph.