“Why Kai Havertz is not thinking clearly at Arsenal”

Former Chelsea star Chris Sutton has voiced strong concerns about Mikel Arteta’s use of Kai Havertz at Arsenal, suggesting that the player is being psychologically affected by being played out of position as a center-forward.

Since Havertz’s arrival from Chelsea last summer, Arteta has utilized the German international in various roles. However, during Arsenal’s recent FA Cup third-round loss to Liverpool, Havertz was deployed as a striker, a decision Sutton believes negatively impacted both the player and the team.

Sutton expressed his thoughts on the situation during the It’s All Kicking Off Podcast, stating,

“I don’t think he is doing any good for the Arsenal team and I don’t think it’s doing any good for Havertz. Psychologically, when he plays as a striker, he looks shackled, he looks like the weight of the shirt is too much for him and he dithers and delays. He doesn’t think clearly.”

The former footballer continued, highlighting the apparent effect of Havertz’s positional deployment on his mentality:

“I think it affects him when he knows he is a number nine, going to the game, getting changed, playing in that position. I think it affects him.

“Kai Havertz is a good footballer, but Mikel Arteta playing him as a number nine kills him, it destroys him psychologically. He has to play him as an eight, and when he does play as an eight, he seems to enjoy it more.”

Havertz, who has made 29 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, has scored five goals and provided one assist. However, Sutton’s criticism revolves around the player’s apparent discomfort and lack of effectiveness when positioned as a center-forward.