How Kai Havertz Will Fit into Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal

With Arsenal signing Kai Havertz from Chelsea in a reported £65 million deal, Statman Dave takes a look at how the German International will fit into Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. Is Havertz the true heir to Granit Xhaka? An alternative centre forward? Or just a versatile backup? Find out in this video…
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[@Maj1794]

I quite like the idea of havertz playing in that xhaka role, ive heard alot of people saying that would leave us exposed in midfield but with inverted fullbacks I don't think that would be the case.

[@iykeharrison9161]

If he doesn't track back like Xhaka and the fullback has to cover for him in midfield, then that will leave a lot of space at left back that will be exploited. Xhaka usually covered there with the help of Gabriel.

[@fplben8652]

​@@iykeharrison9161Havertz would probably counter press when possession changes rather than track back which suits our style a bit more. Think Havertz' effectiveness depends on if we land Rice, his ability to cover that space which is left by Havertz is absolutely crucial

[@akrhylikproductions]

He's poor defensively though and he'll play left cm where we need defensive cover because zinny can't defend and is never in position

[@alvinaditya1610]

​@@fplben8652i agree with you mate, it'll depend on rice deal

[@ryanfinnerty6239]

Your wild

[@louisepage192]

Makes complete sense why we've gone for him. Playing to his known strengths off the left hand side. One thing I will say is Odegaard has massively bettered his goal scoring opportunities and scored them.. No doubts from me we'd be able to get that out of Havartz. Much less chaotic club as well with a very good tactical coach at the helm. I feel like we'll see the star player we expected to see at Chelsea after Leverkeusn days.

[@looniaz]

Next season we will see more inverted RB coz Rice is better operating in that left half of the pitch while Partey or Timber inverted from the RB and Odegaard will have more Xhaka's role as 1st & 2nd phase CM due to his high work rate. Basically the mirror of last season dynamics & formation. Martinelli will be the one who gain the most benefit of this.

[@oriongriffiths3030]

The more I think about it, the more genius I think this signing is. I think we lose a little in defence but gain much more in attack. Sometimes even last season we looked one dimensional, Havertz changes the angles of attacks and more dimensions to overall attack. Great video, I believe it captures Arteta’s vision for Kai.

[@Dr.SamuelKahuthu]

He will be a great addition to our squad depth. Thank you for this. I now understand why Arteta signed him. Looking forward to what he will offer

[@clivepalmer3545]

Fantastic detail on left sided finishing I haven’t seen anywhere else. This is a genius talent Id from Arteta

[@goonersgoonstv5787]

This is exactly hw Xhaka scored this season especially in our last match of the season

[@chr1staki]

Looking forward to seeing how he is played in preseason

[@Truebro79]

When you realise Joelinton went from an underperforming striker to an amazing midfielder

[@mohamad6090]

Amazing is a bit of a stretch

[@jyri7899]

He's also physically far more imposing than havertz, havertz is tall but looks frail

[@tinotendamanjonjo6389]

Delete

[@Truebro79]

@@tinotendamanjonjo6389 no

[@finding_aether]

​@@jyri7899havertz wins alot of duels. He may be less physical but his technique is better.

[@MemeKocak69]

I love how he put Rice there like he is already our player😂😂

[@lordzofficial8967]

Right now, Man City just pulled off the race. We are the only club who's in for him now.

[@MemeKocak69]

@@lordzofficial8967 Yeah I'm absolutely hyped!

[@granth1238]

"If they can work on Havertz finishing and creativity" and ....................positioning, tracking back, pressing, vision, passing ability, aerial threat, first touch, penalty taking.

[@nikelombambo]

Finding out Statman Dave was a united supporter was like finding out Santa clause and the tooth fairy were fake.. Thanks for the hard work.🙂

[@grahambirch8563]

Havertz came as a bit of a surprise, but thinking about it makes sense. Having Havertz, Trossard & Smith-Rowe as backups for Martinelli, Saka & Oodegaard gives us great depth.

[@the1hylander568]

Havertz is earning our highest wage

[@bobdfgh7795]

Glad you’re one of the ones who’ve seen the light of Havertz as LCM Dave!

[@deadlypalms]

Space Investigator! Looking forward to seeing the new play with Havertz at Arsenal - very exciting to have a player with this kind of technique in our team. The balance with Rice should be twice as nice.

[@anthonyrosas8568]

When the news came out that Arsenal wanted Havertz I was so confused. But when I remembered his Leverkusen days it made me more interested and made me think that he can replace xhaka(if he can play better defensive) If this signing works out well. Arteta should be praised for this

[@Kitofthearts]

It’s the most Wengeresque of signings 😂

[@tolypolonty5766]

I know very little about football tactics but Pep plays Alvarez and Haaland at the same time so maybe he could play a second striker roll.

[@sloht4061]

People really need to go and look at Odegaards G/A before and after Arsenal and Havertz G/A before and after Chelsea. I already know Havertz will be amazing at Arsenal.

[@granth1238]

My god I loved Adrian Mutu, had so much hope for him when he joined Chelsea from Parma as one of the first signings under the Roman era. Then he was banned for testing positive to illegal substances and the downfall began.

[@introspectivekumarpoemsand2032]

Saka, Martinelli, Jesus, havertz, and odegaard. That is a front line full of creativity, goals, and assists. Imagine if we do get Rice and Lavia. Back 4 of Zinchenko, Ben White, Saliba, and Timber. Now that is a powerful team. Right?

[@FootballAndSuch]

Nobody replaces Gabriel, any arsenal fan not appreciating him mustnt be watching much

[@godschild5905]

You can't drop Gabriel 6

[@bna919]

Gabriel has to start Timber will fill in for White and defensive midfielder

[@OmarM-u8u]

Use the word powerful and leave out our most powerful defender ? Gabriel starts every game he’s available

[@anthonyngocihkisilu2973]

You don't exclude Gabriel if you are a serious Arsenal fan.

[@alexjones4186]

Great video! I think it's interesting to see peoples' reactions to the news, I don't neccessarily think we overpaid as much as people think in todays market. When you look at the production of silva, de Bruyne, gundogan I think that's what Arteta is striving for from his '8s' and the rest of the forwards. His out of possession stats have been inflated by a poor season for Chelsea however I think he has a lot of offer in the press and in the same way that he is clever in attacking movement I think his timing of press and decision making of when to back up and when to stand off are excellent.

[@Viborita95]

I'm glad that im not the only who had seen that idea, Arsenal plays alot from the right side and Saka and Odegaard crosses the ball alot. Havertz does give u that aerial threat if he's not dealing and fighting defenders for the headers, hes more of looking for the spaces.

[@markbee9767]

Havertz is Xhakas replacement obvs

[@GoalDreamsLLC]

What a breakdown of my club job well done! Liked and Subscribe

[@tapiwa1992]

IN ARTETA WE TRUST

[@shellwerlentertainment3407]

All those names and he managed to forget Fernando Torres. Chelsea really are bad with strikers 😂

[@dwed1234]

Great video as always. Thanks. 👍

[@darthplagueis8886]

Problem is they cannot use that midfield 3 away at Anfield or even a place like Villa Park, it's too much for just a player to deal with, we see that with Casemiro. With Xhaka gone, Partey looking to follow, they cannot rely on Rice only, Lavia is still a kid and Jorginho is past it. I'll say it now, this can be a problem next season.

[@commentarytalk1446]

Arsenal will need option to go for 2 DMs as well as high intensity 4-1-4-1 with Havertz increasing offensive ability of Arsenal.

[@tewodrosnigatu12]

Great clarifying video. Has been confused for sometime about the signing.

[@martinzissou11]

Will support him and trust arteta but not that excited, think there are many better options out there, even Maddison would’ve been a better target and still give us versatility.

[@Kitofthearts]

And Maddison wouldn’t disturb the English culture by being Berbatov like, but add to the dressing room with excellent experience of the Premier League & a strong desire to perform at superior levels consistently

[@TheKingSkillsBW67]

You’ve nailed it big man! I don’t have a channel and that’s why I enjoy watching this one every now and then. I’ve been saying the same thing about Havertz for weeks! He’s actually the biggest signing for Arteta this season. Forget the hype about Rice, this is the most important piece of business in all the PL!! Arsenal desperately needed this upgrade and they got the perfect profile. I really love the way Arteta and Edu see football. Rice at that price doesn’t make sense. Hell😢never play for Pep and Arteta as a no8 for example. The best he can be is no6 but we have the 2nd best no6s in Partey and Jorginho after Rodri. I said it here, Rice cannot bench Foden and Bernado Silva at no8, previously played by Gundogan! Who in the world dared think Rice can bench the irrepressible Rodri!! Now Pep has turned Stones into the best no6 right under our noses! And there’s the amazing Phillips who’s still being polished for the high demands of a Pep’s no6 role. Forget the loses that Rice is the most sought after player by both Arteta and Pep. People will be shocked! For me I see Lavia and Caicedo as being superior to Rice, younger and having signs of reaching a much higher ceiling than Rice; a more smart return on investment for the Arteta model. Then you have the Spanish heir to Busquets role, 24yo Zubimendi! Whoever is handling Rice must not be deceived. There are many better options out there. Plus we have two great DMs who don’t have to go by the way! We could keep them and buy a DM next season.

[@amogelangmore428]

i hear a lot of what you are trying to argue, but i want to maybe offer a different perspective with regards to Dec. As much as stylistically, Zubimendi does look the more attractive option on the eye test, I see Dec's physicality and athleticism in terms of stamina and ability to cover ground quicker, because of more speed and longer legs than Zubimendi, as a more attractive factor in regards to this team in particular. Also his reading of the game is impeccable and that is seen through his interception numbers. that is all important because if Havertz occupies the left half space as a free roaming 8, even though he will come back and help out defensively, i think Declans athleticism covers Zincheko's lack of defensive ability. to be honest, without sounding like i am trying to jump on the Timber bandwagon and disrespecting Benny Blanco, i'd start Timber as the rb so he can invert the same way Zinny does. his ball playing abilities suggests he can do that and he is a lot more defensively sound than a Zinny, and then you play Kiwior as the "3rd center back".

[@TheKingSkillsBW67]

@@amogelangmore428 Sound argument here. I absolutely agree with you on your Rice assessment. The only reason I doubted Rice as our no6 was the price. He’s overpriced and the alternatives are very good and much cheaper; especially Lavia who has PL experience playing for a battling team weekly. You’ll notice Partey rarely had to burst his lungs and do crazy sliding tackles like Rice and Casemiro, because Arsenal is very organized; defending is done by everyone. Both Zubimendi and Lavia will thrive under Arteta. Or would have because City have now pulled out at this point. Rice is good as a footballing no6, and will do far less work under Arteta because the team is more organized. I think and hope he can be anything approaching Rodri, then we’ll be on track to supplant City. My favorite signing is Havertz though. He’ll be the best signing of this PL window. I like how Arsenal is supporting British players though.

[@MrJmwilmott]

Great knowledge as always. Keep it up statman

[@joemills4603]

I'm really hoping Arteta and the coaching team can help Havertz reach his potential. If so, Arsenal have done well in strengthening the overall squad, to help compete in multiple competitions.

[@Acrr01]

im just saying. look at that forward and midfield line. thats one of the best in the world without a doubt

[@MajikBoxx]

Buying Havertz might be a gamble but surely not to the degree claimed in advance by the usual naysayers. it isn't always about being the young finished article where you have an innovative coach and team to bring the best from/develop a young player. Arteta probably intends to coach Havertz to play to his best strengths within the system. Consider the improvements under Arteta with e.g., Odegaard, Martinelli, Xhaka, Saka, Gabriel and White during the last 2 seasons; players criticized for e.g., lack of goals/temperament/defending etc. Whether or not Arteta can make similar improvements with Nketiah and Vieira is a more pressing question.

[@bharatjain7706]

Top man Dave. Fantastic video! I think Havertz is going to surprise a lot of people with his movement.

[@gaonetawana7001]

I would rather use him as backup for Ordegaard, xhaka role we need a box to box CM, we need someone who can add numbers into defence. And think Rice is better for that role and we keep Partey/Joghino for DM

[@teamsparow]

was waiting for this video , nice work Dave :)

[@TheKingSkillsBW67]

People saying things that are outdated! There’s no way Havertz leaves us exposed in midfield! How ball winning numbers show he’s the best at Chelsea on the press. Not only that, Pep plays two no8s; both Foden and Bernado Silva have rotated playing with KDB and Rodri as the sole DM behind them. None of them is reknown for ball winning, but they are excellent at the press; which is mostly what you need to get the ball back really. All in all, Arteta wants to defend by retaining the ball in tight spaces and under pressure, for very long spells, and Xhaka was the weakest in our midfield at that, with all his other abilities, this metric is what made him lose value in the way Arteta wants to play when he’s finally assembled his dream team. Madrid and Man United chased shadows in match final against City! Imagine that!! With all their great players. He’s unstoppable Harvetz at retaining the ball in tight spaces.

[@jameskamenwa6024]

Great analysis!

[@davidelms893]

I don't understand why Arsenal are in for Havertz at £65m when no-one really knows his best position. And James Madison is available for around £50m and has 75 goal contributions from 167 prem games. And could certainly play in the Xhaka "8". Also Zaha at 30 is a proven free transfer that can play across the front line for a good 3-4yrs. Palace play like Arsenal "lite" so he would fit and push Martinelli the most. Tielemans was available on a free and would have freed up transfer funds to secure Rice at all costs and been a very strong squad player and cover across the midfield. Players in should have been; Zaha (free). Tielemans (free). Rice (£100m*). Timber (£42m*). Madison (£50m*)

[@TheKh65]

I like Madison but he does not press and that is a requirement in this team

[@darmson2]

It’s Arteta’s project not yours

[@Abe2u]

Thank god that you are not in Arsenals management. Tielemans is one of the worst nr8 defensively in the prem. Zaha is past his prime. Maddison is lazy.

[@mmolefe18]

It's "Super Mik Arteta" not Mikel Arteta

[@TshiamoTati]

He'll probably increase his creative output from playing deeper. Chelsea used him as a focal point, and his layoffs and linking highlight that. Even Kai was feeding off scraps in that Chelsea tean.

[@shawnchong8468]

If either Granite Xhaka or Thomas Partey does not leave the club, we should have sufficient depth in midfield to cope with the various competitions.

[@thechilledsurgeon]

What I think will work well is if Havertz play the role of Muller (albeit form dropped a little bit in his 30s). Bayern had a lot of possession and hope Havertz play that role like Muller well. I’m sure Arteta know better than we all fans

[@andyelgrand0]

Lets be honest... Kai Havertz for 60mil is music to Chelsea's ears... it might end up looking like a genious move but thats because Arteta is great and will make any player look good (but he will never be great), i doubt this was a purchase that had nothing to do with helping Chelsea staying afloat.

[@jackkeightley5788]

Both Jesus and Havertz are good on the ball but poor finishers. But Havertz offers more aerial threat than Jesus, so I believe he will start up front

[@commentarytalk1446]

I still think Arsenal need a stronger striker to make the most of Havertz.

[@magesticsuperteam]

Another great video Dave

[@IdotSingh]

He's pretty much first for Chelsea in all of those stats by default. Who else started as many games as he did in the forward line? He's had so many chances to show his talent and he's never managed it. Even at Leverkusen he only scored Vs wide open teams in the Bundesliga where everyone plays a ridiculously high line. I don't understand this deal at all

[@IdotSingh]

@@123kaired because football requires two feet. Watch him play

[@IdotSingh]

@@123kaired and how much of Germany and Leverkusen did you watch? Clearly not very much. Guy can't trap the ball. Only scored Vs wide open defences

[@IdotSingh]

@@123kaired no he wasn't. I watched him a lot there and it was no surprise at all to me that he flopped at Chelsea. He's also rubbish for Germany too but I guess that's their fault too

[@okoyeokechukwu4340]

Double tens with Havertz and odegaard and either zinchenko converts or timber converts

[@commentarytalk1446]

Still feel after defender, midfield, Havertz AM, Arsenal need a strong striker to really cap top 2 in EPL...

[@davidgunii]

Dave is just top!❤

[@charleslittledale275]

He should play an old fashioned left half like Xhaka

[@chinmoybharali5879]

Kai will bring Success to Arsenal❤❤😊

[@ptrim1902]

Great analysis SD!

[@paulwhitehead1190]

Excellent video 🙏🏻

[@Leroytubs]

“Dave” I want a apology for not completing your fpl agreement you will now be known as, Dave

[@foreigncurrency83]

Timo werner doing a kai havertz analysis

[@douglasobonyo3995]

Great insight. However, I think Koopmeiners would do a greater job at a cheaper price, he's a real beast

[@tobby_fabulous]

I've not heard of that name tho 🤔

[@Spicytoaster737]

Ramsdale. White Saliba Gabriel Deco Odegaard Zinny. Havertz Saka Martinelli Jesus I feel that will be the formation

[@Mr_2goated]

I do feel y he is getting timber is if he want to use two inverted full backs just guessing

[@islamalhussain3008]

No it’s for either or so it’s not always an inverted left plus he can play as a ball playing CB

[@funisanartform]

More options. Just like how Saka has a partnership with Ben White when Zinchenko plays, with Timber on the pitch, Martinelli can have a partnership with Tierney.

[@muhammedhanink5830]

Well said.

[@nhb2722]

Yo where is the improvement in the defense. Who is say Garbiel won't get injured and we end up throwing the championship again. Build the foundation start from the back and build it through upfront. Arsenal's whole transfer for the past decade has been forward and midfield but the defense is where we lack.

[@ATs-yz1xf]

Captine odargon might even have a bigger job nect season in midfied

[@mandlampande2573]

Did I hear you say "Saka's ineptuality in goal scoring and assist"? Did I hear right? You must think this is Anthony.

[@truenemesisprime550]

I hope he is a success!

[@mr.chocolate3721]

He’s a good player. He just wasn’t used right at Chelsea

[@gunnersTV81]

Chelsea have made a big mistake

[@paulpam7678]

Dave used Rice as a defensive mid instead of Thomas what new Dave something you are not telling us

[@obaone]

How was he our best player then next sentence say he underperformed great analysis. Our best player was Silva the game is not just bad offensive stats

[@Al-oe7md]

this will be bad because zinchenko cant play defense..

[@andrejesse7917]

Disappointed how we have sidetracked partey like this

[@kirubelmengistu1191]

Good explanation but if he play the xhaka role

[@Kitofthearts]

I agree Kai is a marginal upgrade on Xhaka in the eight role, but £65 million fee means that 12 goals + 12 assists per season represents money well spent. Another season of Xhaka would have been my preference!

[@gunnernic2531]

Opposition managers will be gleefully looking at attacking our weakened left hand side, this imo will be a poor bit of business unfortunately

[@ademafc]

ARSENAL WILL FACE MORE LOW BLOCKS NEXT SEASON........HALF SPACE HAVERTZ....TRUST MIKEL

[@martinoneill5274]

Please don't use Rice at Arsenal! I want that transfer to happen so badly and you're tempting fate! For the record Im shocked Chelsea let Kai go he's absolute class

[@eddymwanza1378]

Done deal... Good times... We are here to take over

[@ellylife5274]

kai is going to shine more than the captain

[@shothastar]

Are we signing Mount as well?

[@composedcapital2841]

Pretty dubious to give a German the kitnumber 88… 😂

[@bambooape1]

Sucks that you cant use video clips. Foods video and probs for using sofascore

[@14Tumaini]

Really underwhelmed with this signing man

[@MosesOnyango]

He created the most chances and only had 1 assist.... Chelsea is the problem

[@ByLJT]

Arsenal fans are in for a shock thinking Havertz can play as a 8, even Kai doesnt know his best position

[@aww352]

its imperative that arteta gets rice. if not you lot need to keep partey

[@ryanfinnerty6239]

Timber is a better signing

[@bosnianowitzkifan41]

I think he will play in that Xhaka, left half-space role, roaming the area and making late runs into the box, Xhaka scored quite a few goals this season from that exact scenario, I really see Havertz playing there and making an impact. However his defensive role in that position is a question mark for me.

[@shahnizar89]

that's why we need declan rice so bad.. he will cover that space left by kai havertz..

[@ATs-yz1xf]

Haverts is talent and hasnt played in mid yet and he was a young prospect no one would complain if u got him befor chelsea have faith coz our manegent is amazing rn n havertz is a solid prospect if played rihht

[@harishthiruvengadam7511]

Would have liked to see how we'll defend with Havertz and Odegaard. I guess, we need to wait for some time.

[@artetaball]

🔥🔥

[@usmanrulezzz]

I like Arsenal brining in Havertz but a bit too overpriced based on his performances the past few years. I would've preferred Mount to be honest but I feel we could've also gone for someone like Dominik Szboslai or just Caicedo while using Emile Smith Rowe in that role!

[@mylan8956]

Partey over zinchenko for much more secure defensive cover

[@UMARYOUTHJAGABAN]

Sell pepe

[@purolanpastori]

why is he listed as 193cm (6'4) tall😂 he's propably around 6'1 to 6'2

[@nb9797]

I have a feeling Jesus will be moved out left and Kai central. He's like Martinelli but with faster thinking, and better shooting.

[@exo.dus.1180]

where do you get better shooting from? kai is far from clinical

[@legalactivity6977]

Our two wingers are different we need a runner which is Martinelli, Kai will play as the inside forward ( I hate calling it in the half space). Team shape in possession 3 2 4 1 .

[@commentarytalk1446]

Why not as the video suggests 4-1-4-1 ? My money is on Havertz replacing Xhaka.

[@legalactivity6977]

@@commentarytalk1446 It does not matter what formation is on papers. In possession the team shape is 3 2 4 1. Out of possession its 4 4 2 depending where the ball is. Formation do not win games players do.

[@commentarytalk1446]

@@legalactivity6977 The formation used in the video is highlighting player profile. Rice will likely have a heat map behind Havertz and Havertz will have a heat map behind Jesus for example. Hence 4-1-4-1 is a good approximation of that on paper.

[@maltlickytexas]

What a joke signing. Arsenal is a joke.😂

[@NorthernSpartan]

Wait and see newbie

[@firdausidris2175]

Some body just scared about arsenal

[@nicotwotimes3577]

Absolutely fantastic video once again Dave!

[@rayb12]

Fantastic analysis. Rice and timber next?

[@enfrater8561]

Not quite sold on him, yet.

[@eddingtontakunda9165]

I need a Mourinho's Roma tactics video @statmandave please😢

[@koobeng]

Guess its nt rlly in demand

[@rayb12]

You missed torres

[@IceHolmvik]

Waste of money