He’ll be used in different positions – Mikel Arteta on Arsenal’s new signing Kai Havertz

 

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has showered praise on the team’s new signing Kai Havertz after their thumping 5-0 win against MLS All-Stars in their first pre-season friendly during the tour of the USA on Thursday.

Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz scored for the Gunners in their comprehensive win. Havertz, Arsenal’s new signing, scored in his maiden appearance for the club in the 89th minute of the game.

The German international has shown that he is a versatile player as far as playing in different positions is concerned. On Wednesday, Havertz played as an attacking midfielder, but he can also play as a number nine and wideout.

Mikel Arteta said after the match, “Havertz gives us something very different with his quality and size. When you have to beat the press for example and use him as a target man.”

He added: “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.”

Arteta also brought on Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber in the second half as both of these players made their debut for the club.

Earlier, Arteta had said that the main aim of the team will be to do well in the UEFA Champions League. Arteta had also showered praise on Kai Havertz in an interview with ESPN.

“[Havertz] is a player I have admired for a long time and we had the possibility of bringing him to the club. We had a few chats about how he was feeling about it, and I was convinced he was the player and type of personality that we want in the team and to take us forward.

Arsenal will next take on Manchester United on Saturday night at MetLife Stadium.