Granit Xhaka explains what Kai Havertz simply ‘needs to do’ to succeed at Arsenal

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Arsenal summer signing Kai Havertz had a tough start to life as he attempted to replace Granit Xhaka, but he is now showing signs of improvement.

Havertz failed to score from open play in his first 12 Premier League games for the club, but has now scored four times in his last seven appearances, and is playing with a lot more confidence than when he first arrived.

He initially struggled to replace Xhaka, who was outstanding for Arsenal last season before departing for Bayer Leverkusen, as the Switzerland captain was influential both defensively and going forward.

Xhaka has now explained what Havertz now needs to do to fully settle under Mikel Arteta.

Granit Xhaka offers advice to Kai Havertz

Speaking to The Athletic, Xhaka claimed that Havertz will take time to settle into Arteta’s system and style of play, and that he should be patient as he continues to adapt to life at Arsenal.

“I know what it’s like for Kai, when people on the outside are a little bit nervous and the fans get restless. He just needs to stay calm. It’s a new position for him and it takes time to fully understand Mikel’s philosophy,” Xhaka stated.

“But he’s getting better all the time and his confidence is coming back now. Everyone knows his potential but having the confidence of your club, your manager and your team-mates is everything. You always need that backing.”

“Arsenal supporters sometimes can take a bit of persuading to change their minds. But at the end, I won them around.

“I hope for Kai that he will do the same, and that the critics will eat their words.”

Granit Xhaka compared to Kai Havertz

Whilst it did take a while for Xhaka to win over the whole fanbase after a fallout in 2019, he did start his Arsenal career fairly well when he arrived in 2016.

He played a more defensive role than the one he ended up in, but played a crucial part as Arsenal won the FA Cup in his first season.

He was a divisive figure amongst the fanbase, similar to Havertz now, but his outstanding performances in a more advanced role made him a much-loved figure by time he left.

Havertz is definitely on the right path with his recent performances, as there has been a significant overall improvement from some of his poor displays at the start of the season, and if he continues to play with confidence and contribute goals, then it will not be too long before he becomes popular among the Arsenal fans.