Arsenal duo Kieran Tierney and Kai Havertz faced each other in the opening game of Euro 2024.
The two players only spent a few weeks together at Arsenal in the summer of 2023 – after Havertz joined the Gunners and just a little while before Tierney was sent out on loan.
Since then, the German has become an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates Stadium, while Tierney’s Arsenal career has come closer to an end.
The Scot, however, is still a key player for his country and started in defence against Germany in the European Championships on Friday night.
Sadly for Tierney, Scotland suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat, and Havertz played a big part in Germany’s success.
Tierney has now delivered his verdict on the Arsenal number 29.
Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney makes Kai Havertz prediction at Euro 2024
Havertz started as a striker for Germany against Scotland on Friday night.
Julian Nagelsmann had promised the attacker that he would get the nod if he performed for Arsenal in the final months of the season, and the Germany boss was a man of his word.
Havertz earned rave reviews from the German media following a truly fantastic display. He scored a goal, picked up an assist and led the line incredibly well.
The Arsenal star’s movement in the final third caused Scotland all sorts of problems. He opened up the game for the likes of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, and that led to the Scottish downfall.
Tierney didn’t have a bad game, but he couldn’t do much about Germany’s goals. It was a disappointing night for the Arsenal left-back – his team just didn’t turn up.
After the game, the former Celtic man spoke to the media in the mixed zone and he was asked about playing against Havertz.
Tierney called the German a ‘top-class’ player and predicted that Havertz will have a fine Euro 2024 campaign.
He told HaytersTV: “He’s a top-class player. I trained with him for a few weeks, but I’m not surprised at how well he’s done because you could see that.
“Yeah, he has done well and I’m sure he’ll go on to have a great tournament.”
Havertz could save Arsenal millions this summer
Havertz has been incredible for Arsenal and Germany as a striker.
Since the start of the 2023/24 season, the 25-year-old has directly contributed to 19 goals in 17 games while playing up front. That is a fantastic return.
Arsenal missed out on Benjamin Sesko just before the Euros and many feel the Gunners will go after a different striker before the summer transfer window shuts.
However, if Havertz continues to produce the goods up front, Arteta could just decide to start the season with him as Arsenal’s main striker and use the money to strengthen other areas of the pitch.
Germany take on Hungary next at Euro 2024, and Havertz is expected to start. If he has a good game, the hosts should be able to win quite comfortably.