Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has come to the defence of Kai Havertz.
Kai Havertz had a difficult start to life as an Arsenal player. Having joined the north London club in a £65 million switch from Chelsea in the recent summer transfer window, the 24-year-old arrived looking short of confidence.
The German came in for plenty of criticism in the early part of his Arsenal career. Journalist, TV personality, and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan was one high profile figure, alongside many pundits and former players, to pile in on the Arsenal recruit.
On top of looking to lack confidence, Havertz was also struggling to get to grips with the tactical demands that Mikel Arteta was making of him. In his time at Stamford Bridge, the 42-cap Germany international was used as a striker, though he struggled to consistently shine in this position.
Upon his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, though, Arteta sought to use Havertz as an attacking midfielder, handing him the ‘left-eight’ berth. It took some time for Havertz to settle in to this role, but towards the end of 2023 it really seemed to click.
In a seven-game stretch, across all competitions, beginning towards the end of November, Havertz hit a hot streak. He netted four times in this period, against Brentford, Lens, Luton Town, and Brighton and Hove Albion. He suddenly looked full of confidence, was playing with conviction, and caught the eye in his midfield berth. Even Morgan was impressed by Havertz’s sudden improvement.
Kevin Campbell shocked by criticism of Arsenal star Kai Havertz
However, he certainly still has his critics. His performance levels have also dipped in recent weeks as the Arsenal team in general have hit a poor patch of form. Like all of his teammates, Havertz has struggled to shine as Arteta’s side have lost their last three matches on the bounce.
Iconic former Arsenal star Kevin Campbell believes that Havertz has now done enough to prove that he is a player who can make a positive contribution to this Arsenal side, though. Speaking on the 12th Man Podcast, he said, “don’t tell me a Champions League winner isn’t good enough for Arsenal. Nonsense. I am not having it.”
“You said ‘he isn’t good enough for Arsenal’. I am saying that Kai Havertz is good enough for Arsenal. Arsenal just haven’t been good enough themselves right now. We were top of the league with Kai Havertz in it!”
Havertz is far from the player who can be considered most at fault for the Gunners’ disappointing recent results. However, when he was tasked with leading the line against Liverpool last time out in the FA Cup, he failed to convert a number of presentable opportunities. It certainly seems that Arteta had the right idea first time around when he utilised the German in the middle of the park.
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