Former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur forward Dimitar Berbatov has compared himself with Arsenal star Kai Havertz.
Kai Havertz has really hit form for Arsenal in recent weeks. He was on the scoresheet again on Sunday as the Gunners beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium to go back to the top of the Premier League table.
It took Havertz a while to find his feet in north London following his £65 million move from Chelsea in the recent summer transfer window. Tasked with operating in an unfamiliar midfield role by Mikel Arteta, and clearly short of confidence, the 24-year-old struggled to make a tangible impact on matches. Havertz came in for plenty of criticism during this period.
In the last few weeks, though, the German ace has looked like a player transformed. He is playing with renewed purpose and vigour, striking shots with conviction, and making smart attacking runs.
Havertz has scored four times in his last seven games for Arsenal. On top of his strike against the Seagulls, he has found the back of the net against Brentford, Luton Town, and French side Lens in a Champions League clash.
Dimitar Berbatov highlights his similarities with Kai Havertz
At his best, Havertz is an easy-on-the-eye player, as he has a graceful technique and is capable of making the game look easy. Dimitar Berbatov recognises these qualities, and sees Havertz as something of a kindred spirit.
Speaking to Astro Supersport, the Bulgarian icon, who won two Premier League titles in his playing days, said, “I don’t like comparisons but to answer the question, I need to point out someone and the first name popping into my mind is Kai Havertz.”
“Not because I came from Leverkusen and he came from Leverkusen. He has that way of moving around the pitch, not necessarily in a way that he’s in a hurry. He’s watching, he’s studying, he’s taking his time. He has a good touch as well. I like him and I wish him all the best at Arsenal.”
Berbatov certainly did have a languid style. He was capable of making the audacious and spectacular look effortless at times. He also shares physical traits with Havertz. Both are tall players, with deceptive strength and speed, and a rangy stride.
Arsenal investment paying off
When Havertz is struggling for form, his approach to the game can look casual, even lazy at times, but that isn’t the case. He covers his ground and presses as hard as anyone in this Arsenal side, he just doesn’t move in the bustling, harrying fashion that so many attackers have.
Arteta will be delighted to see Havertz now coming good at Arsenal and beginning to shine on a consistent basis. The Gunners invested heavily in the player and needed that move to pay off, as Havertz plays an integral role in the team’s midfield unit alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
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