3 tactical reasons that justify the Kai Havertz risk

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - JUNE 20: Kai Havertz of Germany controls the ball during the international friendly match between Germany and Colombia at Veltins-Arena on June 20, 2023 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Frederic Scheidemann/Getty Images)
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - JUNE 20: Kai Havertz of Germany controls the ball during the international friendly match between Germany and Colombia at Veltins-Arena on June 20, 2023 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Frederic Scheidemann/Getty Images) /
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2. Height

The Arsenal front four are not the tallest, and in some games, the lack of height has been an issue, especially when it comes to a plan B.

Havertz stands at 6’4, and ten of his 32 Premier League goals came with his head, giving Arsenal a different option in the middle, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard having a kind of target man to aim for.

At Chelsea, he also won the most aerial duels last season, which again gives Arsenal a hold-up option to sit alongside Jesus and Saka, who has surprisingly good aerial ability (but, he is the best in the world in his position, so that’s not a surprise).

Much like his flick-ons and layoffs, this threat becomes even more potent with players in close proximity and is something that players like Odegaard can really thrive off.

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