Kieran Gibbs explains what Kai Havertz does so well for Arsenal

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Kieran Gibbs has now spoken out in defence of Arsenal star Kai Havertz.

Kai Havertz started for Arsenal in their 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday evening. 

Playing in place of injured club captain Martin Odegaard, Havertz brought physicality and aerial presence to the middle of the park for the north London club. 

At one point, the German’s physical approach to the match went too far, as he was fortunate to avoid a red card for a reckless sliding challenge in the first half. 

Much has been made of Havertz since his £65 million switch from Chelsea in the recent summer transfer window. The 24-year-old hasn’t exactly hit the ground running at the Emirates Stadium, and despite producing a battling display, he could not make any impact in the final third against Newcastle. 

End product has been a real struggle for Havertz so far this season. He has managed just one goal and one assist in his Arsenal career so far, with that sole goal coming from the penalty spot.

Havertz has come in for plenty of criticism in his short Arsenal career so far. However, ex-Gunner Kieran Gibbs has highlighted some of the player’s qualities.

Kai Havertz has the capacity to shine

Speaking on ESPN, he said, “he covers a lot more ground than we think…he’s not the quickest off the mark so it probably looks like he ambles around the pitch a bit, but actually I think his positional play is good…He has a good understanding of the game so he knows where he needs to be on the pitch. He’s got a good left foot and can strike a ball. When he’s on form he can strike a ball well, we just haven’t seen it enough.”

Havertz certainly looks like a player short on confidence right now. Mikel Arteta clearly has faith in his ability, but he would have been hoping for a far stronger start to the season from the new arrival. 

There can be no doubting Havertz’s raw talent. He has shown flashes of his quality throughout his career. At his best, he is technically excellent, a creative force, physically dominant, and clinical in front of goal. Arteta needs to now find a way of coaxing the best out of Havertz as an Arsenal player on a consistent basis.