Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes manager Mikel Arteta is crucial to Kai Havertz’s resurgent form.
Havertz joined the club from Chelsea in the summer and after struggling to find a role at Stamford Bridge, he had similar problems in the first half of the season with his new side.
However, two goals against Chelsea in Arsenal’s 5-0 victory in midweek took him to 12 goals for the season so far, and he has been at the heart of many of the club’s 2024 successes.
Speaking to Crypto Casino , Smith praised Arteta for helping the player develop.
“I think Kai Havertz knows more about what’s expected from him at Arsenal than he did at Chelsea,” he said. “Mikel Arteta makes the players know what their role is in the squad and Havertz is now having a good run in the side. There were times at Chelsea when he was in and out of the squad a little bit, but he’s been in the Arsenal team a lot recently, whether in midfield or up top.
“That consistency is really good for his fitness and sharpness, and it allows him to get to a high level – not to mention doing wonders for his confidence. Again, Arteta deserves great credit for that – in the face of a lot of criticism, he’s stuck with his player and believed in his ability, and he’s reaping the rewards now.”
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