19 November 2023 , 20:45
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Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella was won over by former team-mate Kai Havertz as the German international began his reinvention as a left-back.
Havertz spent last season with Cucurella at Stamford Bridge, before being allowed to join Arsenal in a big-money summer move. Things haven't gone to plan for him in north London, though, with a penalty at Bournemouth his only goal in 19 competitive outings.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann gave Havertz a chance to fill in at left-back in Die Mannschaft's friendly with Turkey on Saturday, claiming the Arsenal man asked to play in the new role. It was a mixed evening, with Havertz scoring the opening goal but also conceding a penalty, but more orthodox left-back Cucurella gave the former Blue his backing.
Havertz shared a post on Instagram, including two photos of his goal celebrations. In response, Cucurella simply wrote 'LB' alongside a fire emoji, indicating his feelings on the German's new position.
The goal was Havertz's 13th for Germany, but just his second of 2023. He had earlier provided a goal and an assist in June during a 3-3 draw with Ukraine, one of the results which ultimately saw former manager Hansi Flick replaced by Nagelsmann.
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This time, the early goal from the left-back wasn't enough for Germany to keep up their unbeaten start under Nagelsmann. Turkey rallied to win 3-2, and go into their Euro 2024 qualifier against Wales off the back of three straight victories.
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Kai Havertz celebrating his first Germany goal since June (Andreas Gora/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)"Kai said he wanted to do it, wanted to try it," Nagelsmann told Sky Sport Germany (as translated by iMiaSanMia ). "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"
Cucurella wasn't the only footballer to comment on Havertz's social media post, with compatriots Grischa Proemel and Marvin Duksch also sharing messages. However, some fans were left frustrated by Havertz sharing footage of his positive moment after his team lost the game.
Germany fans will have a chance to see if Nagelsmann sees a longer-term future for Havertz at left-back when the team takes on Austria on Tuesday. So far, the Euro 2024 hosts have won just three of the 10 friendlies they have played in preparation for the tournament.
Havertz will also have a chance to build on his goal against Turkey when Arsenal take on Brentford in their next Premier League game on Saturday. He has yet to score against the Bees for either of his English clubs, but did play the full 90 against Thomas Frank's side earlier in the season as Arsenal knocked them out of the Carabao Cup.