“I think he’s really impressing me” - Alan Shearer singles out Arsenal star for praises following impressive start to the season
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has heaped praise on Arsenal forward Kai Havertz following his brilliant performance in the Gunners' 3-1 home victory against Southampton on October 5. The German was on target for the sixth consecutive time at the Emirates Stadium over the weekend.
Havertz (25) scored a brilliant equalizer for Mikel Arteta's men in the 58th minute, after Southampton substitute Cameron Archer had put the visitors ahead against the run of play. His goal over the weekend took his overall tally for the season to six goals across all competitions.
Havertz has also now been deployed in the central position by Arteta, and former Newcastle United striker, Shearer, believes that the German international has been impressive thus far.
Speaking after the game alongside Micah Richards on the Rest is Football podcast, Alan Shearer went on to label the former Chelsea player as a "real center-forward" this season.
"Yeah, I think he’s really impressing me in terms of his performances and goals," he said. "He has been a real centre-forward, not just his goals, but his hold-up play, what he’s doing for the team, bringing players into the game, challenging for balls in the air when perhaps he knows he might not win them but trying to make it awkward for defenders, so I have been really really impressed with him this season."
Havertz had a subdued start to life at the Emirates Stadium since joining from Chelsea in the last season. He scored only 14 goals and provided seven assists in 51 games across all competitions in the 2023-24 season. However, as it looks, the German international has found his footing in Arsenal's jersey this year.
"He has found his home" - Micah Richards lauds Arsenal striker
The former Manchester City player was also full of praise and support for Kai Havertz following his display in Arsenal's 3-1 Premier League victory over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.
Richards opined that the German international looks very settled in north London, which is why he has been delivering in front of goal.
Havertz joined Arsenal from rival club Chelsea in 2023 reportedly for a transfer fee in the region of £65 million. Prior to the move, there were many talks surrounding what his best position could be in the Arsenal squad, especially as he struggled to get a defined role at former side Chelsea.
Richards reckoned that Havertz is a player who can adapt to whatever the manager demands from him. While speaking about the German International, he said in the aforementioned podcast:
“I think the good thing about Havertz is he has been able to adapt to what the manager wants because we were always scratching our heads, where is he going to play, what’s his best position, he has found his role, but he scored in a Champions League final."
Richards continued:
“Let’s respect what he can deliver. German international. I remember when he was at Leverkusen early doors in his career and everyone was going crazy for him.
“Yes, players have a little bit of a dip, he was going through a time at Chelsea where things were going, but now he has found his home. He has found his home and he is delivering.”