“You’re using this player in a wrong position and that’s why he has been performing poorly, put him in his right position and he will become a beast on the pitch”- Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has warned Mikel Arteta to stop using “special” Arsenal player in a wrong position if he wants to get the best out of him
“You’re using his player in the wrong position and that’s why he’s been performing poorly; put him in his right position and he’ll become a beast on the pitch”- Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has warned Mikel Arteta to stop using “special” Arsenal player in the wrong position if he wants to get the best out of him.
Kroenke informs Mikel Arteta that he is playing’special’ Kai Havertz out of position at Arsenal.
Kroenke believes Kai Havertz is being utilized in the incorrect position at Arsenal, but believes the big-money purchase may still be a “special player” for the club.
Havertz joined Arsenal in the summer for £65 million from Chelsea, but he has yet to display his finest form for the Gunners, with just one goal, a penalty against Bournemouth, and an assist in 18 appearances across all competitions.
The 24-year-old was a regular striker at Chelsea but has mostly played in midfield for Arsenal, at times on the left of a midfield three and in recent weeks on the right in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard.
Mikel Arteta said before of his team’s win over Burnley that he was “really pleased” with Havertz, but added that he needed to “improve” in front of goal.
Havertz has not been utilized as a striker for Arsenal even when Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have been injured, a choice that Merson believes was a mistake.
“He’s struggling a little bit,” Merson admitted to Sky Sports. “He had a shot that was blocked; if you have four in four, you hit it and it gets deflected or you hit it sweetly and it goes in.”
“I feel sorry for him; I don’t think he’s a midfielder, but rather a center forward.” He’s 6ft 4in, so he may be a No.10. What he did, and Arsenal did brilliantly, was get the ball in the box, and he got in the box.
“He’s a big lad, and I hope he does well because I think he’s a special player who is struggling.” Everyone struggles in their careers, and he’s going through that right now, and hopefully he’ll get through it.”