"Don’t think we’ll be strong enough to get past the quarterfinals with him" - Pundit believes Arsenal man could hold country back at Euro 2024
Arsenal forward Kai Havertz would not be a suitable option up front for Germany at Euro 2024, according to football pundit Olaf Thon. The Gunners man plays a false nine role that has often borne mixed results. Thon believes the hosts will not make it past the quarterfinals at the European championships with him up front.
Havertz signed for the North London side for about 70 million pounds last summer. Although the German often did not look like a sufficient goal threat, he ended the campaign with 14 goals and seven assists from 51 games.
Thon does not believe his performances are impressive enough to warrant a place in the starting XI in the European championships. The Pundit urged the inclusion of a more traditional forward like Niklas Fullkrung.
Olaf Thon said to SID:
"For me, Kai Havertz is not a center forward, I don’t think we’ll be strong enough to get past the quarterfinals with him. For me, there is only something to be said for Füllkrug."
Germany will begin Euro 2024 today (June 14) when they play Scotland in Munich and will hope to start their campaign well with victory. The Arsenal man will be keen to prove his worth in the game and add to his 16 goals from 46 caps for the national team in the game.
Arsenal stars at Euro 2024
Arsenal will have a decent core of players participating in Germany, with eight players representing their nations at Euro 2024. Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice, Jorginho, William Saliba, Oleksandr Zinchenko, David Raya, and Aaron Ramsdale will all feature at the tournament.
Havertz will represent the hosts Germany, Rice, Saka, and Ramsdale will represent England who are favorites to lift the competition. Saliba will be part of a French side expected to contend for the title, Jorginho will play for the defending Champions Italy, while Trossard and Zinchenko will feature for Belgium and Ukraine, respectively.
The wealth of internationals at the European Championships is a testament to the quality to be found in the Gunner's dressing room. The North London side will hope one of their contingent returns as a winner and strong performances from every player.
The Arsenal management and fans will keep a close eye on Euro 2024 and will hope their players have a great tournament and avoid injury. Havertz will be the first player from the club to potentially play when Die Mannshaft begins the Euros in Munich against Scotland.