Arsenal star Kai Havertz can become 'world class' in many positions, says Germany boss

Julian Nagelsmann has heaped praise on Kai Havertz, claiming the Arsenal star can become “world class in many positions”.

Versatile Havertz scored from the spot in Germany’s 5-0 Nations League win over Hungary, where he was deployed behind striker Niclas Fullkrug.

At club level the 25-year-old has become Mikel Arteta’s choice to lead the line, scoring twice in Arsenal’s first three games of the season.

And Nagelsmann has been impressed by the advances in Havertz’s game, saying: “Kai has made a big leap forward in the last two years.

“He has the potential to be world class in many positions.

“He runs an incredible amount and has become very clever. He sometimes lacks a bit of finishing luck.

“The co-captaincy is good for him. He is a smart person, very reflective. He is very modest. I hope he continues to believe in himself.”

Havertz has become a key player for his country under Nagelsmann, who replaced Hansi Flick as Germany's coach in September last year.

Surprisingly Nagelsmann played the former Chelsea man in an unfamiliar left wing-back role in friendlies against Turkey and Austria last November.

He returned to his more usual striker role at Euro 2024 on home soil, which saw Germany exit at the quarter-final stage to eventual champions Spain.

Havertz joined Arsenal in a £65m deal from Chelsea in June 2023 and has gone on to play a leading role in Mikel Arteta’s side.

And after a slow start to his Arsenal career, he ended up scoring 14 goals in 51 appearances for the Gunners last season, garnering praise from Arteta.

“He’s certainly having a huge impact on the team," the Spaniard said back in April.

"I think his overall performances have been really good and now his numbers in terms of goal contributions, are really, really high.”