Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has slammed Arsenal star Kai Havertz.
Kai Havertz has endured a difficult start to his Arsenal career. Since his £65 million arrival at the Emirates Stadium from Chelsea in the summer, the 24-year-old has failed to hit the ground running.
Mikel Arteta clearly had grand plans for Havertz. Having primarily featured as a striker for the Blues, the German is now generally being deployed in a midfield role for the Gunners.
On paper, Havertz has what it takes to thrive in the middle of the park. When full of confidence and at his best, he is a technically gifted and powerful presence, able to win his duels, pick out a defence splitting pass, and arrive late into the box to provide a goal threat.
However, Arsenal fans have seen precious little of these qualities from Havertz so far this season. He seems to be desperately short of confidence and playing within himself.
Arteta will still have faith that Havertz can come good. However, Tim Sherwood seems to have already written the player off completely.
Tim Sherwood blasts Arsenal struggler Kai Havertz
Speaking to Premier League Productions (06/11/23, 17:05), he said, “Havertz, for me, is a complete waste of time. I just don’t know what he is. I am not sure what he is, at all.”
“Is he a ten? A nine? He certainly isn’t an eight. It looks like he runs around. He thinks he is too cool to sweat. I think there are better options.”
“If that was a kid making his debut, from what I saw at the weekend, but on a consistent basis if a kid goes in and performs like he performs, you would never see him again. That is an overrated player.”
Far be it from me to suggest that Sherwood isn’t a tactical mastermind, but his inability to envision a setup in which Havertz could flourish probably isn’t enough of a concern to cause Arteta to reconsider his own plans for the player.
Equally, there is no real basis to question his work ethic. Things may be a struggle for Havertz right now, but he is still pressing willingly and getting stuck into duels. He will never be the quickest player on the pitch, but he makes sure he is always in position to keep the Gunners’ defensive structure solid when they are out of possession, the idea that he isn’t willing to “sweat” doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.
However, it is certainly true that Havertz’s performances have fallen short of expectations so far in his time at the north London club. For now, the fans are still behind him and willing him to improve, but he needs to step up his game soon.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
