Mikel Arteta believes Kai Havertz has the ability to become a 30-goal-a-season striker for Arsenal, a vote of confidence that will only intensify the debate over who should lead the Gunners’ attack.
The German has established himself as Arteta’s preferred centre-forward this season, despite Viktor Gyökeres pushing for more opportunities. Havertz has scored three goals so far, but his manager believes there is considerably more to come if he can stay fit and enjoy a consistent run of matches.
According to The Standard, Arteta is confident that Havertz can reach the 25-goal mark, highlighting his intelligence, movement and understanding of the game.
Havertz was furious with himself after Lille victory
Perhaps the most interesting revelation concerned Arsenal’s recent 3-0 Champions League victory over Lille.
Havertz came off the bench alongside Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, with the three substitutes helping transform a frustrating evening into a convincing victory.
He even provided the assist for Saka’s goal, yet Arteta revealed that the German was far from satisfied afterwards.
“But he left the pitch so upset because he did not score a goal.”
That’s quite a reaction from a player who had just helped his team secure another important European victory!
Arteta clearly appreciates that hunger, and he also reserved particular praise for Havertz’s intelligence.
“His football IQ is something else,” he explained.
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
What does Arteta’s confidence mean for Gyökeres?
Havertz’s movement and ability to link play have long been considered important to Arsenal’s attacking system, with Nigel Winterburn recently explaining why Arteta prefers the German to Gyökeres.
But there is a difference between being an intelligent, effective centre-forward and consistently delivering 30 goals a season.
Havertz has only reached 25 goals once in his career, during his time at Bayer Leverkusen back in the 2019/20 season, before his move to Chelsea. Asking him to improve on that record is ambitious, particularly given his recent injury problems.
Still, Arteta obviously believes he can do it, and that faith explains why Gyökeres continues to find himself fighting for opportunities.
Do you believe Havertz can become a 30-goal striker for Arsenal, or should Arteta give Gyökeres more opportunities to prove himself? Join the conversation in the comments below.
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