Arsenal have a squad to be proud of at present, with virtually every Gunners player pulling their weight in training and in games.
Arguably one of the biggest success stories for Mikel Arteta has been Kai Havertz’s rise back to prominence after his difficult spell at Chelsea.
The Germany international is in red-hot form at present, registering six goals and one assists from 10 Arsenal outings in all competitions this season.
Now, The Independent’s Miguel Delaney has shared what Havertz has been doing in training that could lessen the impact of Martin Odegaard’s absence.
Delaney, writing in his weekly e-mail newsletter, said Arsenal insiders have spotted Havertz taking up many of Odegaard’s positions and moves in training.
The journalist also noted how Havertz could be seen as the “great successor” to Roberto Firmino in terms of false nines.
“Roberto Firmino was maybe the standard for this player who drifted from a false nine into something more – something more real – and his great successor is arguably Kai Havertz,” said Delaney.
“The Arsenal forward has hit the form many long waited for, and Mikel Arteta recently spoke about how something has clicked for him. Part of that is clearly just confidence and knowing his role at Arsenal.
“For all the discussion here of maybe going from a false nine to a full nine, those on the training ground have noticed something else.
“He has taken up many of Martin Odegaard’s positions and moves while the Norwegian playmaker has been out.”
Odegaard’s appears to have brought out the best out of Havertz as he is regularly taking up the positions of the Norwegian on the pitch.
Norway manager Stale Solbakken recently told Dagsavisen that Odegaard is probably a “long way away” from returning to action.
While that is extremely disappointing news, Havertz is doing a great job of ensuring Odegaard’s absence isn’t felt quite as much.
