Thomas Muller makes his feelings on Kai Havertz very clear ahead of the World Cup

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Thomas Muller has delivered his verdict on Arsenal striker Kai Havertz ahead of the World Cup.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever pull on the Germany shirt, Muller won the World Cup in 2014 and earned 131 caps across a glittering international career.

Speaking via Magenta Sport, he made his feelings clear on the Arsenal striker ahead of Germany’s opening game against Curacao on Sunday.

“For me, Kai Havertz is a cornerstone player for this team,” Muller said. “He’s the clear first choice up front as the number nine, and if he can, he should play every minute.

“We have many, many talented players, but perhaps we don’t have such a clearly defined backbone to the team.

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“That’s why it’s very important to me that Kai Havertz is on the pitch with his qualities. I want to see Kai Havertz on the field every minute.

“If he can’t continue, then we have other options — Füllkrug, Undav — all fine players. But Kai is my guy.”

Kai Havertz backed for a strong showing at the World Cup

Muller, now retired from international football, won the Golden Boot and Best Young Player at his first World Cup in 2010 where Germany finished 3rd.

He then played a crucial role in helping his team win it in 2014 — along with then-Arsenal trio Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski, and Per Mertesacker.

He is the most decorated German footballer of all time with 35 trophies, so he knows better than almost anyone what it takes to lead the line at a World Cup.

And he is not alone in his admiration for Kai Havertz. Julian Naglesmann has said the Arsenal striker has everything it takes to be top goalscorer for the team, and his teammates are also backing him to win the Golden Boot at the tournament.

Havertz heads into the tournament having scored in each of his last four starts for club and country, including a stunning early strike in the Champions League final against PSG.

Germany begin their campaign on Sunday against Curacao in Group E, which also includes Ecuador and Ivory Coast.

For Arsenal, a strong showing for Havertz at the World Cup would be hugely beneficial. Keeping him fit, confident, and firing heading into next season would be a huge boost for Mikel Arteta.