If Arsenal win anything this year it'll be with Kai Havertz at the centre of it.
That is, at least, according to former Gunners ace Nigel Winterburn, who insists the enigmatic German is being unfairly "scapegoated" following a tough start to life at the Emirates. Havertz has failed to register a single goal or assist since joining from Chelsea for £65million in the summer and has looked a bit of a square peg in a round hole playing as a No. 8 in Mikel Arteta's methodically-organised midfield.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star Sport, courtesy of 888sport, Winterburn said he had no doubts that Havertz would be "a big part" of Arsenal's team moving forward, despite conceding he isn't sure what his best position is. "Every player, no matter the price tag, needs a settling in period," he said.
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"You can flip that around to Declan Rice who has fitted in straight away, but players usually need time to get used to new team-mates and a new style of play. There's no doubt he'll be a big part of the team and a big part of Arsenal's success. You just need to support the guy and give him that belief."
The former left-back, who made just shy of 600 appearances for the Gunners between 1987 and 2000, admitted that Havertz's price tag and Chelsea history made him a bit of a target, but that Arsenal's impressive form, in spite of his shortcomings, will buy him time to curry favour with the fans.
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"[Arsenal] have started well this season. The supporters are on board with what Arteta's doing. The atmosphere inside the stadium is really good. That will be important going forward," Winterburn added. "You know what it's like – a player has a bad run and becomes a bit of a scapegoat.
"But the fact that [Arsenal's] form is so good and the mood is so good it'll give Havertz a bit more time to get things right and get up to speed. I've no doubt that will happen. It's just been a bit of a slow start. Getting some goals will turn things around for him very quickly."
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Havertz, who was dropped to bench for the first time against Everton on Sunday, has been predominantly used in midfield, though Arteta has also deployed him as a centre forward at times. The 24-year-old's versatility is undeniably an asset, though chopping and changing positions appeared to stunt his development at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea used him as a wide No. 10, as a No. 8 and as a No. 9 without ever really finding the right slot for him, and Winterburn says Arsenal must avoid making the same mistake. "I don't know what his best position is if I'm honest," he continued. "They've used him in a couple of positions already, they've even switched his role during games. They need [to settle on one]."
The 59-year-old also urged fans to judge Havertz at the end of the season, and not before. "A lot of people are [asking], 'What goal return will we get from him? What's he adding to the team?' Listen, I'm always a little bit more reserved. I don't want to start judging people straight away.
"There's nothing worse than when you join a club and you hear one or two mumblings inside the stadium. Social media is always going to say, 'Why have you bought him?' He's struggled a little, but he's here, he cost a lot of money, and I'm hoping he does a fantastic job, so let's make that judgement at the end of the season."
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