Those on the Arsenal training ground have noticed that Kai Havertz has taken up many of Martin Odegaard’s positions and moves while the Gunners captain has been out, according to the Independent journalist Miguel Delaney.
He claimed in his ‘Reading the Game’ weekly newsletter on Friday that part of the reasons the Germany international has been in fine form so far in 2024-25 is his confidence and knowing his role at Arsenal.
The 25-year-old has six goals in ten games across all competitions so far this term, and his form in the final third has blown Gunners manager Mikel Arteta away, with the Spaniard praising him after the 3-1 win over Southampton last Saturday.
Bukayo Saka has revealed that the Arsenal stars have also been impressed with the recent performances of the former Chelsea star, tipping him to score plenty of goals this season.
Havertz has now scored in seven games in a row at Emirates Stadium, matching Robin van Persie’s record from the 2011-12 campaign, and he will be keen to find the back of the net when they host league leaders Liverpool on October 27.
The absence of Odegaard appears to have brought out the best of the German as he is regularly taking up the position of the Norwegian on the pitch, and while that is a good thing, Arsenal will be desperate to have their captain return.
Unfortunately, he has reportedly suffered a relapse and setback in his recovery and is unlikely to return to action until towards the end of the year.
It could be good and bad news for the Gunners given his huge importance to the team, but in Havertz, they have a player who will make the absence of Odegaard to be less felt.
The German has proven to be the best false 9 in the Premier League in recent months, and he will be desperate to show that he has what it takes to help lead Arsenal to their first title since 2004.
