Cesc Fabregas has claimed that Kai Havertz reminds him of himself as the ex-Arsenal midfielder revealed he’s a big fan of the German.
Havertz had a difficult time settling down at the Emirates following his £60 million ($75m) transfer from Chelsea – scoring just once in his first 12 Premier League appearances. However, he has gradually been able to find his feet in his new surroundings and has hit top gear at the perfect time – with Arsenal finding themselves challenging for the league title.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Havertz has contributed 11 goals and five assists in 33 Premier League appearances and 13 of those goal contributions have come in his last 10 games, highlighting his upsurge in form. Credit must be given to Mikel Arteta, who has been able to unlock his potential by deploying him mostly as a false nine, a position where Fabregas flourished during his days at the Camp Nou.
WHAT FABREGAS SAID
Speaking on the Planet Premier League podcast, ex-Arsenal captain Fabregas said: “I don’t like to talk about me but he reminds me a little bit of me at Barcelona because I used to play these two roles that he plays as a false nine, in a way, and a number eight and I know exactly what it feels like.
“It’s good because he now feels an important player for the team but, at the same time, you don’t really know where you’re going to play the next game. It can confuse you, as it’s better sometimes just to stick to one place and get the best out of it.
“But now [Thomas] Partey is back – which is great news for Arsenal – then [Declan] Rice will come a little bit as a No.8 more often and [Martin] Odegaard. So his place I think from now on will be in that No.9 spot and it suits him very well for the way Arsenal want to play.”
WHY FABREGAS LIKES HAVERTZ
Havertz has similar traits that fans used to associate with Fabregas, with the German having the ability to glide into space, as well as having a knack for goals.
“I really like him because because he has very good link-up play, he attacks the spaces, he can score goals, he has good timing of his runs. He plays simple, he doesn’t try to make too many tricks or difficult things,” the former Spain international said.
“He does what he has to do, he’s very simple in that, very basic, and that’s what makes him good. He’s scoring lots of goals, important goals, the fans seem to like him and he’s a big plus for Arsenal.”
Fabregas added on the positions Havertz has been playing in this season: “It’s two completely different roles. One is more of a midfielder, you have to defend in a different way, then you are a striker and your movements are completely different, your positions on the pitch, the way you defend, the way you attack, so the concept is different but the style of play is the same. In this case, he’s an intelligent boy, he’s getting the best out of himself, the players seem to understand his game very well as well so I’m happy for him.
“I always saw the talent at Chelsea. He gave them a Champions League as well, scored the winning goal against Manchester City. I always saw that he was a special talent and I’m happy that this has come out again.”
WHAT NEXT FOR HAVERTZ?
Havertz will look to continue his scoring form when Arsenal face Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday. A massive three points is up for grabs and the German will undoubtedly be hoping to have his say on the outcome of the match, which would further endear him to the Gunners’ faithful.
