Laura Woods' theory excites fans as Mikel Arteta explains Kai Havertz's new role
Laura Woods believes new Arsenal star Kai Havertz could follow in Joelinton's footsteps by becoming a successful midfielder.
Havertz, 24, completed a £65million move from Chelsea to Arsenal earlier this summer, leaving some Gunners fans baffled due to his modest record. The German forward scored just 19 Premier League goals during his three-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
Havertz was ridiculed on social media after failing to score during a skills challenge earlier this week but responded by finding the net in Arsenal's 5-0 win against Wayne Rooney's MLS All-Stars in Washington on Wednesday. It's his first goal since his transfer.
Although some Arsenal fans have questioned the decision to sign Havertz, Woods - who was recently announced as the new lead anchor of TNT Sports' Champions League coverage - is confident the former Chelsea star will be a success at the Emirates.
Woods has backed Havertz to emulate Joelinton's success at Newcastle. The Magpies signed the Brazilian from Hoffenheim in July 2019, but he scored just two Premier League goals during his debut campaign - despite playing 38 games up front.
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Eddie Howe turned Joelinton into a central midfielder following his appointment as Newcastle manager in November 2021. The switch has worked perfectly, with the Magpies qualifying for the Champions League and Joelinton earning his first two Brazil caps.
Woods, who is an Arsenal fan, was asked for her opinion on Havertz's move to the Emirates during an interview with TNT Sports. She said: "I think he's a really great lad... We’ve seen things like this happen in the Premier League before like Joelinton.
Havertz scored his first Arsenal goal against the MLS All-Stars (AFP via Getty Images)What do you think Kai Havertz's best position is? Let us know in the comments below!
"(He) wasn’t very good up front, you drop him back a little bit and all of a sudden you’ve got this incredible, newborn player. We might have that with Kai Havertz. To be honest, I actually thought he was great at Chelsea. I’m excited."
Mikel Arteta was asked about his plans for Havertz after Arsenal's big win against the MLS All-Stars. He said: "He gives us something very different with his quality and size as well, when you have to beat the press for example and use him as a target man.
"So, we will see - for now, he’s playing in the attacking midfield position, but I’m sure throughout the season and throughout games as well, we’re going to have the options to play him in different positions."
Perhaps the big question is whether Arteta deploys Havertz as a box-to-box midfielder, like Joelinton. Havertz often played as an attacking midfielder at Chelsea, but Arsenal already have one of the best No.10s in the Premier League in Martin Odegaard.
In terms of strikers, the Gunners have Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun (although the latter is being tipped to make a summer transfer). Arteta might have to strengthen in central midfield, with Thomas Partey wanted by clubs in Saudi Arabia.
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