Legendary former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has now given his verdict on the progress made by Kai Havertz this season.
Arsenal star Kai Havertz has silenced many of his critics in recent weeks.
When the German first arrived at the Emirates Stadium, as he joined from Chelsea in the recent summer transfer window, he was a a player clearly bereft of confidence.
In the early stages of his Arsenal career, he struggled to stamp his authority on games and did not look comfortable within Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup.
Arteta initially planned to reinvent Havertz as a midfielder, after he had struggled to shine on a consistent basis as a striker in his time at Stamford Bridge.
However, since the turn of the year, the Spanish coach has regularly deployed Havertz at the top of the pitch for the Gunners and the player has gone from strength to strength whilst spearheading the North London club’s attack.
Mikel Arteta has unlocked potential of Kai Havertz
Against Brighton and Hove Albion last time out, the 44-cap Germany international popped up with a goal and an assist as the Gunners returned to the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 win.
Havertz has now racked up more goal contributions for Arsenal this season than he ever managed in a single campaign during his time at Chelsea.
With Havertz now shining as a striker for Arsenal, Arteta deserves a great deal of credit for how he has managed the player this season and helped him to rebuild his confidence. He has now hit form at the perfect time, and will be expecting have a big impact during the run-in as Arsenal chase their first Premier League title crown in twenty years.
Havertz will also be desperate to impress on Tuesday evening, when Arsenal welcome German giants Bayern Munich to the Emirates Stadium for the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Kai Havertz from his girlfriend to height
Emmanuel Petit explains Kai Havertz improvement at Arsenal
The forward has come on leaps and bounds at Arsenal this season. Former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit has now provided his insight into why Havertz has been able to make such progress.
Speaking to Premier League Productions (06/04/2024, 20:15), the French former World Cup winner, who won a Premier League title and the FA Cup in his time at Arsenal, said, “Kai Havertz, it’s not the same player as last season who came from Chelsea.”
“He arrived in a team that was playing the same football, speaking the same football, while full of confidence and enjoying playing together. And he regained confidence. Now you can see his quality in front of goal.”
Arsenal now need Havertz to maintain his current form for the rest of the season.