Arsenal striker Kai Havertz received mixed reviews for his display in Germany’s late 1-1 draw against Switzerland at Euro 2024 on Sunday.
Havertz once again started as Julian Nagelsmann’s striker, in a role that is now beginning to not necessarily resemble a ‘false nine’.
As Gary Lineker recently pointed out, Havertz has been displaying another facet to his game for Germany, running in behind and playing a more traditional role.
But either way, the striker will ultimately still be judged on his goal-scoring.
And despite having a number of chances on Sunday, Havertz was unable to find the net, unlike his in-form striker partner Niclas Fullkrug who saved the day from the bench.
Interestingly, the draw against Switzerland was the first time Nagelsmann didn’t substitute Havertz at the Euros when introducing Fullkrug – with the manager perhaps keen to avoid the dynamic that it’s one or the other.
That being said, German media outlets have now been sharing their reaction to Havertz’s display, which was defined by ‘inaccurate and poor finishes’ according to one review.
Ruhr 24 perhaps delivered the most harsh of the reviews, lamenting that Havertz delivered another below par performance.
They wrote: “The DFB striker was primarily noticeable for his inaccurate and poor finishes and headers.
“He was also not convincing in his ability to hold onto the ball and assert himself. Once again, the Arsenal professional did not put in a good performance.”
Spox were a little more forgiving, and actually praised Havertz for making improvements to his mobility in comparison to his performance against Hungary.
They commented: “Germany’s false nine was more mobile, especially in the early stages, than he was against Hungary and was therefore better integrated into the combination play – sometimes he moved into midfield, sometimes to the right.
“He had four dangerous chances: in the 3rd minute he failed with a header after a Kroos corner, in the 42nd minute with a shot, and again with a header in the 68th and 85th minutes.”
Sky Germany provided a succinct review, simply stating the chances the Arsenal striker missed, along with some comments on his positioning.
“Tested [Yann] Sommer at the start with a header (3rd minute), missed the goal after a corner (85th minute), hardly found in his actual position. Could not convince on the wing.”
And finally, Sport thought some of Havertz’s hold up play was positive, but again lamented his finishing.
They reviewed: “He sometimes held onto the ball well in the attacking third. But he never posed a threat to the goal, as he only managed to get one of his six shots on goal.
“His playmaking was usually far too complicated.”
All in all, it’s important to remember that Germany did still finish top of their group and Havertz was an integral part of their system and team.
Nagelsmann will still no doubt be very content with the Arsenal striker, who will start once again in the knockout rounds – even if Fullkrug is impressing from the bench.
All that being said, Arsenal might be able to involve Eddie Nketiah in a swap deal to sign a player at Euro 2024 right now.
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