Kai Havertz ‘wanted to play at left-back’ for Germany, admits boss Julian Nagelsmann… as he reveals why £65m Arsenal star could have ‘key role to play’ at Euro 2024

• Kai Havertz played at left-back for Germany in their recent loss against Turkey
• The Arsenal midfielder was picked in a new position by Julian Nagelsmann
• England will struggle to win a trophy with Kalvin Phillips – It’s All Kicking Off

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann believes Kai Havertz has a ‘very big opportunity’ to play a ‘key role’ for his nation at next year’s European Championships, but it’s not in the position you might think.

Most view the 24-year-old as an attacking midfield player who can often be used as a striker if required, however, Nagelsmann decided to deploy him at left-back on Saturday.

Even more surprisingly is that Havertz scored the opening goal for Germany against Turkey while playing in his new role but was unable to stop his side slipping to a 3-2 defeat.

One positive to takeaway for the recently-appointed Nagelsmann is that the Arsenal midfielder impressed at left-back in a position that is new to him.

Havertz operated as an attacking left-back and occasionally slotted into midfield alongside former Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan when Germany had the ball and dropped back to left-back when out of possession.

Kai Havertz was recently deployed at left-back for Germany and could be played there again

The German scored the opening goal in his side’s 3-2 defeat against Turkey on Saturday

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann revealed Havertz asked to play in the defensive role

Your browser does not support iframes.

Speaking after the match, the Germany head coach explained this won’t just be a one-off for Havertz and revealed the former Champions League winner wanted to be played there.

‘I don’t see this as a risk for him, but as a very, very big opportunity to play a key role at the Euros,’ said Nagelsmann via iMiaSanMia.

‘Kai said he wanted to do it, wanted to try it — for a first time in an unfamiliar position, he did extremely well’, told SkyDE.

Despite Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta being renowned for deploying some unusual new and creative tactics to unlock Premier League opposition, this might not be one of them. 

Havertz has mainly played in midfield for Arsenal, while he is also capable of operating up front or as a winger.

Since joining the Gunners in a £65million summer move from Chelsea he has scored just one goal in 19 appearances, with that goal coming from the penalty spot away against Bournemouth.

Germany play again on Tuesday night against Austria and it’ll be interesting to see if Havertz keeps his new position in the team.

Havertz usually plays as a midfielder or winger for Arsenal but might have find a new position

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Source: Read Full Article