Arsenal star Kai Havertz has thrived as a central striker in recent weeks, and he continued his fine form as Germany beat France in a friendly.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann explained prior to the game that he was delighted with how Havertz had progressed at Arsenal in a number nine role, and confirmed that he would be used in the same role for his country.
Nagelsmann’s faith was rewarded, as Havertz delivered a masterclass performance to help defeat France 2-0 ahead of the European Championships this summer.
Havertz has notched up six goals and assists in his last four Premier League starts, and he continued this form by scoring the second goal in France to seal the victory.
Kai Havertz delivers masterclass against France
The 24-year-old led the line superbly for Germany, linking up well with attacking midfielders Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, who is set to come up against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Havertz completed 85% of his passes, fired in three shots on goal and had five touches in the opposition box, but these stats do not tell the full story with the German.
His off-ball movement caused nightmares for the France defence, which surprisingly saw William Saliba and Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate left on the bench.
Bundesliga expert Seb Stafford-Bloor heaped praise on Havertz during the first half for his link-up play.
“Havertz is playing beautifully. Dropping in and out of the play, dragging defenders back and forth, and reversing passes into space,” he posted on X.
Havertz played for 80 minutes, and his performance was crucial in gaining a result against the EURO favourites.
Kai Havertz thrives as a striker for Arsenal and Germany
Havertz has struggled for both club and country in a variety of positions in recent years, but playing as a centre-forward appears to have unlocked his full potential.
His role leading the line allows him to use his physicality in the air to trouble defenders, and he thrives with his back to goal, rather than as a midfielder trying to progress the ball forward.
His movement is his best attribute, and it helps create space for his teammates to run into. His goal saw Musiala find space to run into, before firing in a cutback, and Havertz’s anticipation meant he timed his run perfectly to slot in a first-time finish.
If Havertz can keep his current form up, he will find that he has secured a starting spot as a striker for club and country by the end of the season.
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