‘Very good’: Alan Smith says Arsenal now have a player who could be even better than Granit Xhaka

Alan Smith has acknowledged that he believes Kai Havertz, an Arsenal player, has the potential to surpass Granit Xhaka in the long run.

Smith was at the Emirates during a calm international break, speaking on The Gooners Podcast.

If Arsenal is already having to catch up to Manchester City, their supporters will be somewhat happy with how the season has begun.

Their sole blemish on their record is a late tie with Fulham, and following their victory over Manchester United, optimism will be high.

Mikel Arteta, aside from David Raya, has been eager to put his fresh acquisitions to use.

But rumours are already circulating that the Spanish goalie might make his debut this weekend against Everton.

Kai Havertz is one player whose inclusion has been questioned throughout the season.

The German international’s time at the Emirates hasn’t started off so well.

Alan Smith, though, believes Havertz has the ability to surpass Granit Xhaka in the future.

The 24-year-old has already been accustomed to his position in the team this season, but it doesn’t appear that he will equal his 14 goals scored in the league so far.

It is Smith’s opinion that Havertz can surpass Xhaka.

Smith stated, “It does annoy me a bit the way people are willing to criticise him so quickly,” in reference to the German international.

“These are Arsenal fans, and you would think that they would help a new player in his early days as he tries to get comfortable.”

He is making an effort to comprehend the manager’s goals, and I believe it will take some time.

It takes a season for Jack Grealish to grasp what Pep Guardiola requires and wants from the players that you see at Man City.

“It won’t take [Kai] Havertz a season, but he’s still getting used to the team, the locker room, and the starting lineup.

“Technically, I think he’s really excellent, and I think he can be a good player for us. I heard [Mikel] Arteta mention that he wants to be finishing strong, kind of how [Granit] Xhaka did last season.

Havertz has a stronger offensive instinct and is a fantastic finisher when he is in those spots, so I believe he can do more than that.

Havertz must aim to emulate Xhaka’s offensive qualities in order to surpass him in the same position, as Smith stated.

Right now, he struggles with a total lack of confidence, particularly when he is in front of the goal.

With players like Fabio Vieira circling him to get into the side, he needs to get to the back of the net immediately.

If he is able to properly adjust to Mikel Arteta’s playing style, only time will tell.