Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Kai Havertz following the German’s influential return to the starting lineup in Arsenal’s 3-2 Champions League victory over Kairat Almaty.
“He’s going to give us so much” – Arteta hails Havertz return
Making his first start in nearly a year, Havertz seized his opportunity with a commanding 45-minute performance.
Deployed on the right side of midfield, he provided an assist within two minutes and later scored a crucial goal, directly contributing to the win that sealed a perfect group stage campaign for the Gunners.
Arteta expressed his delight at the player’s immediate impact.
“Bringing in Kai, and the quality that he showed, the way he connected with the team, the goal he scored, the assist he made… it was a really positive performance,” the manager stated in post-match press conference.
He emphasized Havertz’s unique value to the squad, highlighting his tactical flexibility.
“He can play right, left, attacking midfielder or nine. Every player has unique qualities. Kai is a player who gives us so much versatility and threat from different positions,” Arteta explained.
The manager also moved to clarify that Havertz’s halftime substitution was always the plan, designed to carefully manage his return to full fitness.
Arteta believes this display will significantly boost the entire team. “It’s going to give him a lot of confidence, joy, energy and to the team as well. The team knows how important Kai is for us.”
With the Champions League knockout stages secured, Arteta now turns his attention to a demanding domestic schedule, buoyed by the timely return of a key player.
As the manager put it simply, Havertz’s comeback is poised to lift Arsenal to a different level at a vital point in the season.
