Scoring the opening goal in Germany’s 2-0 win against Denmark on Saturday, Arsenal striker Kai Havetz earned his 50th cap for his country.
Before the round of 16 tie began, many believed that Havertz may lose his spot to Borussia Dortmund hitman Niclas Fullkrug, who has demonstrated an incredible goals to game ratio at major tournaments.
However, Julian Nagelsmann stuck by his #7, entrusting Havertz to get the best out of several world class talents around him.
And on his landmark appearance for Germany, Havertz certainly didn’t disappoint.
After Saturday’s showing, Havertz now has the most shots, the most shots on target, the most touches in the opposition box and the highest xG at the Euros (TNT Sports), proving his growing influence.
Able to effectively link the play with the likes of Jamal Musiala around him too, Havertz demonstrated why Mikel Arteta has so much faith in his potential.
And after his 90 minute display against Denmark, German media outlets have now been sharing their reviews on his display.
Kai Havertz hailed for ‘outstanding’ Germany display but told he still needs to improve
Sport praised Havertz’s all-round performance as a false nine, but admitted he still needs to be more ruthless in front of goal.
They wrote: “Was often able to outwit the Danish central defenders with his movements. Opened up space for his colleagues and had several great chances himself.
“Remained ice-cold when it came to penalties. But he definitely should have scored more goals. He needs to improve his efficiency.”
Ruhr essentially agreed, summarising their thoughts: “Good performance, important goal, but should really score more often than ‘just’ once.”
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Sky Germany thought Havertz improved in the second half, which was helped by Nagelsmann’s decision to keep the Arsenal striker on the pitch when introducing Fullkrug.
Havertz moved to a number 10 role, rather than taking a place on the bench.
Sky shared: “The Arsenal star first fails to beat Schmeichel from a free position, then puts Germany in front from the penalty spot.
“Then he lets the 2-0 goal slip after a world-class solo effort – but still a strong second half.”
Havertz has booked his starting spot for Euro 2024 quarter-final
Frankfurter Rundschau called Havertz’s solo run in the second half ‘outstanding’ and declared that the Arsenal man definitely deserves to start in Germany’s quarter-final.
They wrote: “Had his first good chance after just ten minutes, but failed with a great volley against Danish keeper Kasper Schmeichel – and shortly after the rain break with a header from close range.
“Then in the 53rd minute he was ice cold from the penalty spot. Second penalty, second goal of the tournament.
“Almost rewarded himself with a second goal shortly afterwards with an outstanding solo effort, but lobbed the ball wide of the goal.
“Still justified his nomination for the starting eleven.”
A superb night for Havertz all in all, who is never going to be a striker who buries all of his chances.
But if you can look past his goalscoring, which is still sufficient, there’s an excellent player there, who at 25-years-old can still make so much more progress at Arsenal.
