19 November 2023 , 18:33
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Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has claimed Arsenal's Kai Havertz wanted to start at left-back in his national team's friendly against Turkey.
Havertz, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in a big-money summer switch, has struggled in front of goal for the Gunners. The 24-year-old has operated in midfield and in a more advanced role, but his only club goal this season came from the penalty spot in a win at Bournemouth.
Nagelsmann used Havertz in an unexpected attacking left-back role as he continues to try new things ahead of Germany hosting the European Championships next summer. There was an immediate reward, with the Arsenal man opening the scoring inside five minutes, but Turkey battled back to win 3-2 in Berlin.
"Kai said he wanted to do it, wanted to try it," Nagelsmann told Sky Sport Germany (as translated by iMiaSanMia ). Havertz played the full 90 minutes, with David Raum - who played at left-back for Germany at the last World Cup - remaining on the bench.
"I don't see this as a risk for him, but as a very, very big opportunity to play a key role at the Euros," the manager continued. For a first time in an unfamiliar position, he did extremely well and probably was our best player"
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Turkey turned things around after Havertz's early opener, with Ferdi Kadioglu and German-born teenager Kenan Yildiz on target before the break. Niclas Fullkrug brought the hosts back level early in the second half, only for Yusuf Sari to score the winning goal from the penalty spot after Havertz was penalised for handball.
Does Kai Havertz have a future at left-back? Have your say in the comments section
Kai Havertz scored and conceded a penalty against Turkey (AP)Havertz was never prolific in the Premier League for Chelsea, scoring 19 times in 91 appearances in the competition, but he hasn't even come close to those numbers for his new club. Former England striker Alan Shearer is among those to have queried the former Leverkusen star's ability this term, asking questions after Havertz opened his Arsenal account in September.
"There is definitely a player in there, but when you look at the numbers, his ability, that doesn’t match those numbers," Shearer told Match of the Day. "(His numbers) need to improve. You know that you have to pay £60m, £70m, £80m for a squad player nowadays. He is going to play his part, but whether he will be a regular or not, I don’t think so."
Germany's second match of the November international break will come against Austria on Tuesday. It will be their fourth game under Nagelsmann, who replaced Hansi Flick in the dugout in September, with the current boss so far overseeing one win, one draw and a defeat.
Nagelsmann's side are guaranteed a top seeding at next summer's Euros due to their status as hosts, and several other teams have booked their place at the tournament. The final spots will be confirmed in the last round of group games - taking place this week - and March's play-offs.