The German international has scored just one goal in his first 12 appearances for the Gunners so far, however, it took him just five minutes to score in Germany’s friendly against Turkey yesterday, after bizarrely starting the game at left-back.
The Arsenal man has been played in several positions throughout his career, with Mikel Arteta moving him into the number 8 position since he joined the club in the summer.
The decision by Nagelsman to play Havertz at left-back initially seemed to be a masterstroke as he opened the scoring just five minutes into the friendly, assisted by Leroy Sane.
Speaking to RTL before the match, the German boss said: “Kai won’t always be in this position.
“I have a great idea, he’s an exceptionally good footballer. This is a very good option. He won’t always play as a classic left-back.”
However, the Arsenal boss might think twice about taking inspiration from the Germany manager as they went on to lose the game 3-2. Havertz conceded a penalty on the 70th-minute mark after handling the ball in the box. Turkey went on to score the penalty and won the game 3-2, with Germany’s woeful Euro 2023 preparations continuing.
Arsenal travel to Brentford after the international break and I think it is unlikely Arteta will move the 65 million pound signing to left-back. Yet he will continue to show faith in his summer signing and hope his form improves in the Arsenal midfield.
