Arsenal summer signing Kai Havertz has struggled in multiple positions this season, but was tried in a very different role in Germany’s home defeat to Turkey.
Havertz has appeared as a central midfielder and a striker for Arsenal, but is yet to find his feet in North London as his disappointing start has continued.
However, there was plenty of surprise yesterday when he was selected as a left-back by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, and even more surprise when he found the back of the net in the opening few minutes of the game.
He is yet to score a non-penalty goal for Arsenal, but saw his low shot trickle into the bottom corner from a set piece to give Germany the lead.
Havertz’s performance for Germany
Ahead of the game, Nagelsmann explained why the Arsenal player was selected in an unfamiliar position.
“We have different formations depending on how high the opponent stands and defends – Kai won’t always be in that position,” he stated.
“I have a lot of ideas for him because he is an exceptionally good footballer. It’s a very good option. He won’t always play as the classic left-back that you might know.”
This saw Havertz line up at left-back, with Nagelsmann seeing his physical capabilities as useful for the position, and he had a roller-coaster performance.
Having given his side the lead, he also gave away the penalty which led to Turkey’s winner, as a cross unluckily hit his arm in the box.
Could Havertz play at left-back again?
Nagelsmann was impressed by Havertz in his unfamiliar role, and has claimed that he could excel in the position again.
“Kai said he wanted to do it, wanted to try it. I don’t see this as a risk for him, but as a very, very big opportunity to play a key role at the Euros. For a first time in an unfamiliar position, he did extremely well and probably was our best player,” Nagelsmann stated.
At Arsenal, it may even be worth Mikel Arteta trying Havertz at left-back, particularly given that Oleksandr Zinchenko often inverts and tucks into midfield when in possession.
With Havertz struggling to offer enough creativity in midfield or end-product upfront, a completely new role could help him build confidence and start to justify the £65m spent to bring him in this summer.
No one would have imagined Havertz joining Arsenal to play at full-back, but given his overall strong performance in the position for his country, it will be interesting to see if he is handed further opportunities there.
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