Game Changer: Why Kai Havertz's Move to Arsenal Could Solidify Their Domination

Despite a challenging season with Chelsea, Kai Havertz will still go down as one of the most expensive signings in the Premier League this summer. Arsenal has secured the services of the German international, who previously had a three-year stint at Stamford Bridge. However, he faced difficulties in finding his rhythm since his £75m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.

Joe Shread and Nick Wright will provide their insights on how Havertz's legacy at Chelsea will be remembered and which club benefits more from the deal. Additionally, they will discuss the qualities that make him appealing to Arsenal and their manager, Mikel Arteta.

Havertz's Chelsea legacy hard to judge

Evaluation of Havertz's time at Chelsea proves challenging, as he departs and leaves behind a somewhat indeterminate legacy.

Having joined for a significant sum of £75m from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, the 24-year-old's goal-scoring record of 32 goals in 139 games can be seen as rather average, fueling the perception that he struggled to define a distinct role within the Chelsea team.

Havertz's scoring rate at Chelsea stands at 0.23 goals per game, which is lower than his 0.31 average during his time at Leverkusen. In the 2022/23 season, his performance was notably disappointing, with only Leeds' Patrick Bamford having a larger deviation from expected goals. Additionally, Havertz failed to capitalize on 14 out of the 18 significant scoring opportunities presented to him.

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However, it is not sufficient to evaluate forwards based exclusively on the number of goals they score. It is equally important to consider the timing and location of their goals.

In this regard, Havertz can highlight his crucial goals in the finals of the 2021 Champions League and the 2022 Club World Cup. These goals have established his reputation as a player who excels in significant moments, and they must be taken into account when assessing his performance at Chelsea.

But that goal against City was only one of six he has scored in the Champions League in 31 games with the Blues. Shouldn't we expect more from a forward player who consistently starts for one of the biggest clubs in Europe?

However, it is worth questioning if Chelsea's utilization of Havertz has hindered his progress. While his versatility has led to regular starts, he is often deployed as a lone striker, carrying the responsibility of being the team's main goal-scoring threat.

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Havertz demonstrates his reaction after failing to convert a scoring opportunity for Chelsea in the previous season.

Playing as a No 9 is not necessarily unsuitable for Havertz. However, he is more effective when given the freedom to retreat deeper on the field and partnered with dependable goal-scorers either in support or on the flanks, making him a formidable false nine.

However, Chelsea has tasked Havertz with a different role, where he is expected to lead the line despite his fellow attackers struggling to score consistently. This has limited Havertz's chances to showcase his value as either a No 8 or a lone No 10, positions that would better utilize his skills in playmaking and late arrivals into the penalty area.

Havertz under Poch? What could have been...

Havertz's stint at Chelsea saw a revolving door of head coaches, including Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and another stint of Lampard, which emphasized the club's dysfunctional environment he had been compelled to work under.

Havertz under Poch? What could have been...

Those who hold Havertz accountable for his underwhelming performance at Chelsea will likely find solace in Arsenal's decision to pay a reported fee of approximately £65m for the player, despite having just two years of experience.

Havertz's decision not to renew his current contract, combined with the presence of Christopher Nkunku, the £52m signing from RB Leipzig, in a similar position, adds to the appeal of the deal. However, it is unfortunate that Havertz is leaving just as a new manager, who could potentially unlock his full potential, has joined the club.

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Mauricio Pochettino frequently utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation during his tenure at Tottenham, with Dele Alli taking on the role of the number 10. Despite Dele Alli's struggles in the past few years, it is important to remember that between 2015 and 2018, Pochettino played a crucial role in developing him into one of the top attacking talents in the Premier League.

Havertz possesses similar qualities to Alli in his prime - speed, power, proficiency in the air, and an ability to find open spaces in the attacking third.

It would've been intriguing to witness how Pochettino could've shaped Havertz's development. However, now it falls upon Arteta to tap into his unquestionable potential.

Why his finishing is no worry to Arsenal

Concerns may arise among some Arsenal supporters regarding Havertz's relatively modest scoring record at Chelsea. The statistics from last season reveal an unimpressive portrayal of a player lacking cutting edge.

However, it is important to acknowledge that Havertz's performance aligns closely with his expected goals in the two preceding seasons. Moreover, during his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, he scored an impressive 38 goals in 87 appearances over a two-year period. Additionally, he has demonstrated his scoring ability for Germany, finding the net 13 times in 36 games.

Arsenal hopes that these numbers will better reflect his potential as a finisher compared to his performances during a turbulent three-year period at Chelsea. Additionally, it is important to note that scoring is just one aspect of his overall game.

Havertz has demonstrated his proficiency in playing as a false nine, but he has never been a pure striker. He considers himself as "a midfielder who enjoys getting into the box." Therefore, it is more appropriate to assess him based on his overall contribution.

Tuchel, indeed, took this approach. "While focusing solely on his goal-scoring may lead to higher expectations, both for him and from him," the German stated in February last year, "his overall contributions to the team have already shown improvement, and he has maintained a consistent level of performance."

Havertz displays an extensive array of qualities. He excels as a skilled technician on the field, with a relaxed and effortless style reminiscent of Dimitar Berbatov. However, his abilities extend beyond the pitch, which undoubtedly contributes to his appeal to Arteta and Arsenal.

Whether operating out wide or positioned in the center, his mobility is commendable. Havertz consistently seeks to offer a viable alternative for his teammates in the attacking zone, and his determination to unsettle opposing defenses is evident in his impressive tally of off-the-ball runs.

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He ranked highly in terms of off-the-ball runs last season

Havertz ranked third for attacking runs in the Premier League last season, with only Tottenham's Heung-Min Son ahead of him. Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins also ranked above him. In terms of runs that challenged the opposition's defense, only four players, namely Watkins, Son, Erling Haaland, and Marcus Rashford, made more of them. Havertz's exceptional runs can be seen in the fact that only Mohamed Salah received more passes than him.

"He possesses a remarkable ability to navigate seamlessly within the playing field," quoted Tayfun Korkut, his ex-coach at Bayer Leverkusen, during an interview with We in 2020. "He possesses an acute sense of positioning, effortlessly identifying the strategic gaps to occupy. As soon as an area becomes constricted, he swiftly transitions to the adjacent space.

"Thus, he not only commands the ball but also governs the spatial dynamics. This is why he consistently finds himself in advantageous positions."

How he could give Gunners a new dimension

Havertz's ability to move and control space will undoubtedly captivate Arteta, who encourages his attacking players to constantly change positions in order to keep the opposition guessing. Therefore, his versatility would be equally valuable.

While Havertz predominantly played as a central striker for Chelsea, he was deployed across the entire frontline, and some even consider him a midfielder. "Perhaps his strongest position is as a No 8 in the 4-3-3 formation," Korkut added back in 2020.

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Havertz has showcased his versatility consistently during his tenure at Chelsea. It is worth noting that this formation is employed by Arteta at Arsenal, and the position of right-sided No 8 currently held by Martin Odegaard is merely one of the numerous positions that Havertz could potentially excel in within the team.

He possesses the ability to play on the opposite side, where Granit Xhaka played previously, and could also serve as a valuable option as a substitute for Bukayo Saka on the right wing, considering Saka had a demanding schedule last season. Additionally, there is potential to utilize him as a forward.

Havertz possesses similar attributes to Gabriel Jesus such as his movement, work-rate, and ability to press. In fact, he outperformed all other Chelsea players last season with his high-intensity sprints and ground coverage. However, Havertz also offers unique qualities to the No 9 position.

Standing at 6ft 2ins, he adds height and a considerable aerial prowess, something that Arsenal currently lacks in that position. While not a typical target man, Havertz's strength and stature enable him to win duels and involve his teammates in the game. Moreover, he poses a significant threat in the air within the box.

Last season, he netted three goals with his head in the Premier League, with only eight players in the division making more attempts with their heads, and only 11 players showing better accuracy with their shots. Delving into the statistics further uncovers even more significant findings.

An outcome to suit all parties

Moreover, it is evident that a transfer to Arsenal would be beneficial for all parties concerned.

Chelsea can recover the majority of the £75m fee they paid for him, despite his recent disappointing season. Moreover, they have already secured Nkunku as a potential replacement.

On the other hand, Arsenal believes they are gaining a player with immense untapped potential. At 24 years old, he still has his best years ahead of him and has the versatility to play in various positions. Additionally, he offers Arteta a different attacking option.

For Havertz himself, meanwhile, it's a fresh start, and an opportunity to show the full extent of the talents which made him one of Europe's most exciting young players while at Bayer Leverkusen.