Kai Havertz plays on the left of a midfield three in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard.
Paul Merson has admitted Kai Havertz is being used in the wrong position at Arsenal but claimed he can still be a “special player” for the Gunners.
The 24-year-old made the summer move from Chelsea for a transfer fee of £65million. Havertz is yet to show his best form for the Gunners. He has scored only one goal including a penalty against Bournemouth in 18 matches across all competitions.
The German was regularly used as a striker at Stamford Bridge but has primarily played in midfield in an Arsenal shirt. He plays on the left of a midfield three in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard.
Mikel Arteta speaks ahead of his side’s win against Burnley, in which Havertz was replaced on the hour mark. He admitted that he needed to improve in front of goal.
The 24-year-old has not been used as a striker even when Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah were injured for the Gunners, a decision that Merson admits has been a mistake.
Merson told Sky Sports, “He’s struggling a bit. He had a shot that got blocked, if you’ve got four in four you hit that and it gets deflected or you hit it sweetly and it goes in.
“I feel sorry for him, I don’t think he’s a midfield player I think he’s a centre forward. He’s 6ft 4in, maybe he’s a No.10. What he did do and they did well Arsenal they got the ball in the box and he got in the box.
“He’s a big lad I hope he does well I think he’s a special player and he’s struggling. Everyone struggles in their career and he’s having that moment and the moment and hopefully he gets through it.”
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