Mikel Arteta makes claim about Kai Havertz after scoring in Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat against Liverpool

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Arsenal forward Kai Havertz made his second appearance of pre-season in the early hours of Thursday morning, bagging a goal against Liverpool.

Havertz started a midfield role playing as Mikel Arteta’s left-sided number eight – a position a lot of Arsenal fans thought would be in the past for the German.

Havertz’s struggles at the beginning of last season were well documented, but the former Chelsea man thrived when he advanced into a false nine role.

However, with Arsenal welcoming Gabriel Jesus back in exceptional shape, it perhaps seems as if Arteta is willing to try Havertz as a midfielder once again.

Admittedly, Arteta is missing one or two options in midfield, which may have forced his hand slightly on this occasion.

Declan Rice is still on holiday and although Arsenal are close to signing Mikel Merino – the deal isn’t quite over the line just yet.

That being said, when speaking in his press conference after the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool via football.london, Arteta did speak about Havertz’s performance and condition.

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal players need to lean on Kai Havertz’s quality

Aside from his goal, Havertz impressed with his work off the ball in Philadelphia, making some excellent defensive contributions.

And having witnessed something of an all-round display from the German in the middle, Arteta was asked at the end of his presser: “Were you impressed with Havertz in midfield?”

READ MORE: Arsenal insider says Mikel Arteta is pushing ‘very strongly’ to sign £40m midfielder

He responded: “Yes it was good. He scored a goal. I think he’s had only four training sessions but he’s come again in good shape, he prepared himself before he joined us and he looked good. 

“We know his quality and it’s something that the team has to take a lot of value from.”

As mentioned, Arsenal supporters will likely still be hoping that Havertz plays exclusively as a false nine in the season ahead – a role that best suits his skill-set.

Havertz impressed for Germany at the Euros leading the line, and it would be a surprise if Jesus had already displaced him as the starting striker in north London.

That being said, not every Arsenal player impressed against Liverpool, and perhaps new signing Riccardo Calafiori can already see why he’s been brought in.