Kai Havertz has revealed that Mikel Arteta’s advice to back himself in the opposition penalty area has worked wonders for his confidence.
The German endured a slow start at the Emirates Stadium after his surprising £65million move from Chelsea. Havertz, 24, only scored one goal in his first 12 Premier League games for Arsenal.
But he is finishing the season strongly with eight goals and five assists in his last 12 league appearances, including a brace against his former side. Arteta has repeatedly defended the silky German, who was fiercely criticised in the first few months of his Arsenal career.
As well as sticking up for him in press conferences and interviews, Havertz also revealed it was Arteta’s advice which saw him become a huge player for Arsenal.
In an interview with Saturday Social, Havertz said: “If I should pick one it’s that I should be confident in the opponent’s box. He told me that lots of times and I think it boosted my confidence.
“He has developed my game a lot. He changed my vision of football completely and taught me things I never knew before and other small details.
Considering he often left plenty to be desired during his three seasons at Stamford Bridge, many eyebrows were raised when the north Londoners signed the ex-Bayer Leverkusen forward. Yet Arteta always backed Havertz to come good for the club.
After Arsenal’s 2-2 home draw with Fulham, all the way back in August, Arteta said. “Yes, I think [he will win the fans over]. I think he’s done already really good things today.
“It was tough for him in certain moments, he got in great areas again and the ball didn’t arrive. He’s had a lot of situations, he should have scored already a lot of goals this season, and that’s the thing that is missing there.”
Havertz still has a chance of finishing the season with a Premier League winners’ medal. Arsenal are still in the hunt with Manchester City ahead of the final day of the campaign next week.
