Perry Groves has suggested that there is an ‘unbelievable’ statistic concerning Kai Havertz he saw ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Bayern Munich which people really would not expect.
It has certainly been an interesting season for Kai Havertz. Many were scratching their heads wondering what Arsenal were doing when it became apparent that they were pursuing a move for the German.
In fact, Havertz went on to become the highest paid player at Arsenal upon joining. So there was huge pressure on the Gunners for the move to work out.
Initially, it appeared that the gamble would backfire. Havertz struggled in the early weeks of the season. And by the time Arsenal faced Brentford in late November, the former Chelsea man appeared to be moving towards the periphery of the squad.
However, Havertz went on to score the winner that day. And his form has just picked up from there, with Havertz impressing in the striker role.
Havertz has definitely silenced a lot of his doubters. And it is no longer a surprise when he manages to score again – as Gunners fans like to remind everyone.
Perry Groves stunned by Kai Havertz statistic
But what may come as a shock is just how hard Havertz works off the ball. Speaking on talkSPORT, Perry Groves suggested that he is not getting enough credit for the way he leads the line out of possession.
“I’ve seen him play for Chelsea obviously, and watching him play for us, I used to look at him and think there’s a player in there. And even when he was getting stick at the beginning of the season, they tried to play him in that Granit Xhaka, inside left sort of role, and you could tell his confidence was shot to bits. So it’s the coaching that he’s got from Arteta, it’s the arm round the shoulder, and the environment that Arteta’s created at Arsenal where you’ve seen him actually flourish,” he said.
“He’s 6 foot 4. He was playing like he was 5 foot 4 because he was huddled over. Now he’s playing like he’s 6 foot 4. When the ball goes into him, he’s holding it up. That sort of false nine, alongside Odegaard when we’re out of possession, we go to a 4-4-2 basically, and he’s got a good understanding with Odegaard. If you see him now, his little one and two touch lay-offs and flicks and passes are coming off. So I think it’s a testament to Arteta actually sticking with him and going no, we know that you can perform for us.
“There was a stat which people wouldn’t realise. His closing down is unbelievable. When I look at the stat, he’s had 374 high intensity presses. So when we press, he’s the one who sets it off. And you wouldn’t associate that with Kai Havertz would you, because he’s more of a floater, drifting sort of player.”
Arsenal have stumbled upon a transfer masterstroke
Havertz does appear to have a more languid style. With that, it would be easy to assume that he does not work as hard as many of the players.
But it is imperative that the Arsenal striker works so hard. Havertz has scored nine league goals this season. But the majority of the goals seem to come from the players around the number nine.
So having that player who presses the defenders and creates problems is so crucial to the Gunners’ attacking players.
It remains to be seen if Havertz is the striker to get Arsenal across the line in the Premier League and the Champions League.
But it certainly seems that Arsenal have found the role which gets the very best out of Havertz.
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