One thing Kai Havertz just did for Germany will inspire Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal vs Tottenham

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Kai Havertz has enjoyed a productive international break with Germany.

Arsenal star Kai Havertz featured twice for Germany over the course of this international break.

The 25-year-old found the back of the net for his country in their 5-0 demolition of Hungary, before playing the full 90 minutes for Julian Nagelsmann’s side in their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.

In both of those matches, rather than operating as a striker, Havertz was deployed as a No. 10. 

The German press praised Havertz for his movement and work rate against the Dutch. Whilst his finishing let him down at times, the former Chelsea man was otherwise an effective presence in this advanced midfield role. 

Mikel Arteta could soon use Havertz in a similar fashion for Arsenal. 

• READ MORE: What is the North London Derby? Everything you need to know about the Arsenal and Tottenham rivalry

Why Mikel Arteta will want Kai Havertz in midfield

The Gunners will travel to face their fierce local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a North London Derby clash on Sunday.

However, Arteta will be without club captain Martin Odegaard for this encounter. Odegaard was recently seen using crutches after picking up an injury whilst playing for Norway and won’t be fit to face Spurs. 

On top of that, summer signing Mikel Merino is also sidelined and Declan Rice is suspended, leaving Arteta’s midfield options thin on the ground.

Arteta has suggested that he’ll use Havertz in midfield at times this season, and Sunday is an occasion that now calls for that shift. The Spanish coach will take solace from the player having looked comfortable in the No. 10 role for his country so recently. 

How Arsenal can get the best out of Havertz vs Tottenham

However, Havertz has not always dazzled for Arsenal in the middle of the park. 

Following his arrival from Stamford Bridge, Arteta attempted to integrate the 53-cap Germany international into his side as a midfielder, but the player looked short on confidence and uncomfortable with the position.

Whilst Havertz is more settled and assured at Arsenal now, if the Gunners want to get the best out of him on Sunday then he needs to be granted license to push forward and attack the penalty area, rather than being restricted to the build up phase of play.

To accommodate this, the likes of Jorginho and Thomas Partey must be willing to cover for Havertz and monitor the space he vacates as he breaks forward.