Kai Havertz has been subjected to a lot of criticism since joining Arsenal, with his body language highlighted in a similar way to Mesut Ozil.
When Ozil joined Arsenal in a huge-money deal from Real Madrid in 2013, critics accused him of not caring, as a result of his languid style and casual body language, but this was part of what made the midfielder such a special talent.
Now 10 years later, Havertz joined as a German International attacking midfielder, but unlike Ozil, did not have the luxury of arriving as a Galactico from Real Madrid, having struggled at Chelsea over the years despite helping them win the Champions League.
Comparisons have been drawn between the two players, not for their ability, but over the way they were viewed as their body language was criticised.
Kai Havertz now compared to Arsenal icon Mesut Ozil to defy critics
Speaking to BBC Sport, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards highlighted how players who have a more laid-back image are often the first to be criticised, and drew comparisons between Havertz and Ozil.
“Do you not think though sometimes players that are really silky and smooth and playing a certain way and he’s probably not an aggressive manner and sometimes when the games not going for them, and they’re slightly off their best it looks like they’re not trying,” Lineker stated of Ozil.
“Correct, like Havertz. Perfect example,” Richards replied.
Lineker then pointed out that Havertz hasn’t “done it yet” like Ozil had by arriving as an established superstar.
“But I mean even just like the way he’s effortless, doesn’t look like he’s working hard,” Richards replied about Ozil.
“Therefore if he’s not playing his best football you will go, it’s like he’s not doing anything, but he actually when he’s playing really well he doesn’t look any different either,” Lineker stated of the pair.
“Havertz is a brilliant player, yeah he could do more, but Ozil, he was a magician,” Richards stated.
Comparisons between Kai Havertz and Mesut Ozil
Both Germany stars were criticised in their first season at Arsenal, and both tend to have a more laid-back look compared to vocal leaders such as Declan Rice.
Ozil was a far superior talent, given that he was one of the best players in the world when he arrived, but Havertz has improved his form since moving to a centre-forward role.
Richards and Lineker are right to point out that players such as Havertz, Ozil, and looking elsewhere the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, would be criticised more heavily as a result of their body language, when in reality they simply make the game look easy because of their ability.