Alan Pardew has given his verdict on Arsenal star Kai Havertz.
Arsenal spent £65 million to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea this summer. The German has started in each of the Gunners’ three Premier League matches so far, operating in an attacking midfield role, alongside club captain Martin Odegaard, and in front of fellow new arrival Declan Rice.
It would be fair to say that Havertz hasn’t set the world alight in north London yet. He hasn’t been particularly bad, but he is clearly yet to fully settle in to his new role under Mikel Arteta.
The 25-year-old was given the task of leading the line for Chelsea during his time at Stamford Bridge. Havertz will need some time to adapt to his deeper position at Arsenal. Ultimately, though, Arteta will be confident that using Havertz in this way will coax the best out of the player.
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However, not everyone is so sure that the 37-cap Germany international is destined to come good at the Emirates Stadium. Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew feels that Havertz lacks some necessary qualities needed to be a star for Arsenal.
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Speaking to TalkSport in the wake of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Fulham, in which Havertz was hauled off early in the second half after an uninspiring performance, Pardew said, “the thing that worries me about Havertz is his personality. I don’t see his personality on the pitch. He’s got technical ability but I don’t see him grab a game. Or a game where he’s completely turned it. You could argue he’s won the Champions League. So let’s not say it’s a bad signing but right now it’s a work in progress.”
The main thing missing from Havertz’s game at the moment is confidence. Arteta’s faith in his quality, and the chance of a fresh start with Arsenal having struggled to shine at Chelsea, will gradually see his confidence restored.
If Arteta can get Havertz playing freely and at his best, then he has the capacity to have a transformative impact for the Gunners. Right now, Arteta and the Arsenal fans alike need to keep faith in the player, and show patience as he acclimatises to his new surroundings, teammates, and tactical responsibilities.