Ex-Chelsea star doubles down on Havertz criticism ahead of Arsenal clash

20 October 2023 , 12:18

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Kai Havertz has scored one goal in 12 matches for Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

Frank Leboeuf has doubled down on his criticism of Kai Havertz and believes the German has created more issues at Arsenal since his £65million summer move from Chelsea.

Havertz has scored just one goal in 12 matches for the Gunners following his switch to the Emirates Stadium in June. The ex-Bayer Leverkusen forward had spent three years at Chelsea, but struggled for consistency throughout, despite scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final.

Ahead of Havertz's first return to Chelsea on Saturday evening, Leboeuf has criticised the 24-year-old - three weeks after the ex-France international claimed that his best position was on the bench. Leboeuf has taken no prisoners once again and hammered Havertz for the influence he has had at the Gunners.

"That guy's an enigma, we don’t know where to put him," he said, via the Metro. "That's the problem, his inconsistency at the top level. Everything was organised very well at Arsenal last season.

"We knew the midfielders, we knew the strikers, everything. And because of his price tag, you have to play him but that's disorganised the team. You have the striker – [Eddie] Nketiah or [Gabriel] Jesus – and then you have [Bukayo] Saka, [Gabriel] Martinelli or [Leandro] Trossard on the wings. You don't need him up front.

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"In the middle of the park, because you have [Martin] Odegaard you need two strong midfielders to get the ball back. So, you don’t need him. So, you have created issues and problems because you hired him. He has a talent for sure when he’s at his best. But right now, he’s more a problem than a solution.

Kai Havertz has struggled during his time at Arsenal so far (Getty Images)

"That's why I say he’d be better on the bench because Arteta didn’t find any solution to put him at his best and to make sure it doesn’t affect the team. Right now, Havertz on the field affects the condition and the rhythm of the team. I was happy to see him leave Chelsea because he had the same problem. You have to sacrifice players to put Havertz in. That’s the problem."

Leboeuf's comments come after William Gallas admitted Havertz is already in "trouble" after an inconsistent start to life at the Gunners. Havertz's only goal came during the emphatic 4-0 victory over Bournemouth, where Martin Odegaard allowed the attacker to take a penalty and score.

"I'm not impressed with Kai Havertz so far," he told Lord Ping. "He's done nothing since he joined Arsenal. He may have scored, but that was only because Martin Odegaard let him take a penalty! Havertz hasn’t done anything yet, and I think he’s in trouble."

Kieran King