24-year-old Arsenal player still has world class potential, he isn’t the problem

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Despite Arsenal returning to winning ways this week, Kai Havertz has still been the recipient of criticism from pundits and fans.

Havertz has now been deployed on the right side of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal midfield in the absence of Martin Odegaard.

And although he’s not hit the heights of a Leandro Trossard or Bukayo Saka in those games, he has been showing promising signs.

Yet, the £65m signing still can’t catch a break in the eyes of many.

Arsenal had an aggregate scoreline of 5-1 in their two home games last week, and yet Havertz is still being questioned.

Therefore, it does seem prevalent to remember just how coveted Havertz has been by Europe’s elite in the past.

And we’re not talking about five or six years ago, we’re harping back to this summer.

Although it seemed that Arsenal were always front-runners, both Manchester City and Real Madrid were said to hold interest in the German.

And perhaps the blame for Havertz’s underwhelming form shouldn’t necessarily land with the player.

Mikel Arteta is transitioning Havertz to a new position, and fans will need to be patient.

Havertz won’t benefit from criticism at Arsenal, he needs patience

Of course, certain similarities can be seen with Havertz’s time at Chelsea.

Havertz had his fair share of criticism at the club just as he does at Arsenal now, but he was playing during a very turbulent time.

Chelsea were often switching managers and playstyles, an environment that doesn’t lend itself to consistent form – just ask Timo Werner.

And a few years later, Havertz’s performances are still suffering heavy scrutiny whilst the player is clearly enduring a hard time adapting to a new position.

Havertz’s talent has been certified by some of the best recruitment teams in the world, and fans need to keep faith.

Despite all of his criticism, Havertz is still only 24-years-old and still has a ton of potential at Arsenal.

And rather than constantly questioning his performances, fans would be better served trusting the process.

Mikel Arteta clearly has a plan, and although he’s not moving positions as seamlessly as Declan Rice has, Havertz deserves patience.

Perhaps a skillset that many of us football fans don’t understand, should actually be the most exciting, especially given all the commendation Havertz has had.