Arsenal star Kai Havertz started and scored for Germany in their game against Greece at Borussia-Park.
Julian Nagelsmann‘s side played their final game before Euro 2024, and it took them a while to get going against the Greeks.
However, Germany came out on top in the end, and Havertz played a big part in their comeback.
German media criticise Kai Havertz despite his goal vs Greece
Germany boss Nagelsmann confirmed this week that Arsenal star Havertz will be his first-choice striker at the Euros.
The 24-year-old started the 2023/24 season as left-sided number eight at Arsenal. He struggled in that role more often than not.
Then, Mikel Arteta pushed him up top, and Havertz instantly became an unbelievable player in attack for Arsenal. He ended the season with 14 goals and seven assists.
It is clear now that Havertz’s best position is as a striker, and Nagelsmann agrees too.
The former Chelsea man started up top for Germany in their friendly against Greece on Friday night. He scored the equaliser in the second half, which helped them pick up a late win.
Despite Havertz’s goal, German media outlets aren’t too impressed with his display.
RAN reviewed his performance by saying: “Kai Havertz is the only striker who spends most of the time hanging in the air. He poses no threat to the goal and in this condition is a shaky candidate for the opening game.
“He played much better in the game in the second half because he was much better integrated and more active. He follows up well and scores the equalizer from the turn to make it 1-1. His 16th international goal.”
BILD praised him for his goal, but claimed Havertz was ‘invisible’ for most of the first half.
They wrote: “Before the game, Nagelsmann had strengthened him as the number one striker ahead of Füllkrug. Havertz justified the trust: He achieved 1: 1 after turning in the penalty area.
“Shortly before the break with a dangerously falsified finish that Vlachodimos could just parry. Until then almost invisible.”
The one Havertz stat that’s so impressive
When Arsenal signed Havertz from Chelsea in 2023, almost every fan in the world questioned Arteta’s decision and felt it was an unnecessary move.
The German’s slow start in the famous red and white increased the criticism and made it even more difficult for Arteta to justify spending so much money on him.
However, despite all the noise in the first half of the season, Havertz has directly contributed to 25 goals for club and country since his move to Arsenal.
That is a very impressive return and it’s no surprise that two elite managers – Arteta and Nagelsmann – both have him as one of the first names on their team sheet every single game.
Germany kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Scotland next Friday, and Havertz is expected to start. We won’t be surprised if he bags a goal in the opening game.