“He was a brilliant player for Chelsea” - Ex-Blues star admits he wished Kai Havertz stayed at Stamford Bridge ahead of Arsenal clash
Joe Cole has admitted that he didn't want to see Kai Havertz leave Chelsea last summer for Arsenal. The Englishman heaped praise on the German attacker, whom he insists was a great No. 9 for the west Londoners.
The Gunners secured Havertz's services from their London rivals last summer for a reported £65 million. The 24-year-old forward had a difficult start to his career at the Emirates, scoring just once in 12 Premier League games. He came under criticism as a result.
He then hit his stride in December and has been in great form for Arsenal recently, registering nine goal contributions in their last nine league games. Havertz's exploits have earned great plaudits from Cole, who wishes the German would've stayed at Stamford Bridge.
Ahead of the Gunners' Premier League fixture against Mauricio Pochettino's men on Tuesday (April 23), Cole said on TNT Sports (via the Daily Mail):
"I always liked him as a No 9. He was a brilliant player for Chelsea. He came in with a massive transfer fee, played in multiple positions and ultimately scored the winner in the Champions League final (in 2021). I've always liked him and I didn't want to see him go."
He added:
"He's gone there (Arsenal) and he's done really well, found his feet. He's a box player - whether he plays as a No 9 or a false 9 - he's got a lovely instinct to score goals and has that weight of pass and calmness."
Havertz has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 32 Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season.
"Synonymous with strikers of the last 20 years" - Joe Cole draws comparisons between Arsenal's Kai Havertz and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba
While speaking on TNT Sports, Cole even compared Havertz to the likes of three iconic former Chelsea stars, including Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, and Diego Costa.
The pundit believes the Germany international offers something similar to those strikers when he's deployed up front as a 9. Hailing the Arsenal star's abilities, Cole said:
"He's one of those players I'd have loved to stay at Chelsea. He's a cracking player. When he was playing that role for Chelsea, he was synonymous with strikers of the last 20 years like Drogba, Torres, Costa. Fans are used to having that. I think he did a great job for Chelsea and he's been a great signing (for Arsenal)."
During his time in west London, Havertz contributed 32 goals and 12 assists in 139 appearances across competitions. The German attacker played a crucial role in their 2021 UEFA Champions League victory, scoring the match-winner in the final against Manchester City.
He also won the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup with the west Londoners.