When Arsenal win a corner or free-kick, most defenders immediately look for Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Brazilian has developed a reputation as one of the most dangerous aerial threats in world football, and opposition teams know they are in trouble whenever the ball is delivered into the box.
That fear is completely justified, but Gabriel is not the only Arsenal player who can dominate physically in those situations.
Kai Havertz reminded everyone of that fact this week, and Mauricio Pochettino was left hugely impressed.
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Mauricio Pochettino says Arsenal star Kai Havertz is a ‘physically dominant presence in the box’
Havertz has always been underrated in the air.
Because of his technical quality and ability to play in several positions, many people forget just how difficult he is to handle physically.
Standing at 6ft 4in, the Arsenal star is a nightmare for defenders when he attacks crosses. He showed exactly why during Germany’s friendly against the United States on Saturday night.
The game was barely two minutes old when Havertz found the net. Joshua Kimmich whipped a brilliant free-kick into the area, and the Arsenal man rose highest to power a header home.
It was a simple goal in many ways, but it highlighted one of Havertz’s biggest strengths.
After the game, USA manager Pochettino was asked about the goal and refused to place the blame on his goalkeeper. Instead, he praised both the delivery and the player who got on the end of it.
Pochettino told Roberto Abramowitz on X: “I think on the goal — the goalkeeper in that situation, from what I saw, I haven’t broken it down yet.
“I’d have to ask my goalkeeping coach. I think it was a difficult ball to come and claim. I don’t think that was the issue. And you also have to credit the quality of the opposition.
“Kimmich, delivering that cross, has an outstanding touch on the ball, and the man who got on the end of it (Kai Havertz) is a physically dominant presence in the box.
“It will serve us well as a learning experience.”
Fill in the blank – Kai Havertz’s header was the best I’ve seen for Arsenal since ___
Kai Havertz’s stats for Germany are magnificent
For all the criticism Havertz receives, his record for Germany is exceptional.
The Arsenal forward has directly contributed to 40 goals for his country. That consists of 22 goals and 18 assists in just 58 appearances.
What makes those numbers even more impressive is that only 45 of those games have come as a starter.
40 direct goal contributions in 45 starts is an outrageous return at international level and one most forwards would dream of producing.
It is yet more evidence that Havertz remains one of the most disrespected attackers in world football. People focus on what he cannot do, but his numbers continue to prove just how effective he really is.
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