Arsenal star Kai Havertz started for Germany in their win over Hungary at Euro 2024.
Julian Nagelsmann‘s side are under pressure to do well in the competition because they are the host nation. All eyes are on them to produce the goods.
After convincingly winning their first game against Scotland on the opening day of Euro 2024, Germany were made to work hard by Hungary on Wednesday.
However, they still managed to come out on top in the end.
German media react to Arsenal star Kai Havertz’s performance vs Hungary
Havertz was very, very good in Germany’s opening game of Euro 2024 against Scotland.
The Arsenal attacker started as a striker in that game and managed to score a goal and pick up an assist in the first half.
Havertz earned a lot of praise from the German media following the win over Scotland, but it was a much more difficult evening for him against Hungary.
The former Chelsea man got the nod again up front and started the game brilliantly. He came close to scoring in the fifth minute and did incredibly well a few minutes later to outmuscle Willi Orban and have a shot at goal.
Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi pulled off a very good save from close range to deny Havertz.
From that point on, the Arsenal attacker didn’t pose much threat in the box. He tried his best to stretch the defence and link play up, but Hungary dealt with him quite comfortably.
Nagelsmann decided to take Havertz off in the 58th minute, and the attacker was visibly disappointed with that decision.
Here’s how German media outlets reacted to his performance.
Note: Ratings in Germany are from one to five, with one given to the best and five to the worst
Sky Sports Germany gave him a 4/5 rating and wrote: “Started the game well and repeatedly held his own against the Hungarian edges around Orban – like in the 11th minute, when he narrowly missed out to Gulacsi. But he diminished as the playing time increased.”
RAN gave him a 3/5 rating and said: “Had the first chance (fifth minute), but shortly before that, there was also a situation that could have resulted in more. After 11 minutes, he was very strong against Orban, but too imprecise in the finish.
“Always wanted after that, but in some situations as a wall player, he made wrong passing decisions. After almost an hour, he made room for Fullkrug.”
Finally, Goal Germany gave him a 4/5 rating and wrote: “A harmless finish in the fifth minute, a much more dangerous finish in the 12th minute – but then there wasn’t much more to come.
“In the initial phase, Havertz was well integrated into the combination game, but as the game went on, Havertz lost his ability. Had to give way at the same time as Wirtz.”
READ MORE: Kieran Tierney makes prediction about Arsenal’s Kai Havertz after facing him at Euro 2024
Arsenal learn important lesson after Havertz’s Euro 2024 performance
Havertz has been brilliant for Arsenal almost every time he has played up front.
The German, in 18 appearances as a striker for the Gunners in the 2023/24 season, directly contributed to 15 goals, which is a fabulous return.
However, there are games, like the one against Hungary on Wednesday night, where Havertz can be kept quiet in front of goal for large parts of the fixture, which is not ideal.
We fully believe that Arsenal should start the 2024/25 season with Havertz up top, but for games where he is ineffective, they need a different profile to lead the line.
That is the lesson Arsenal should’ve learnt after watching Havertz against Hungary, and we think they should dive into the market to find that alternative up front.