Mikel Arteta could unleash 24-year-old Arsenal player in a new position tonight after injury blow - opinion

Arsenal take on Sevilla in the Champions League tonight, and Mikel Arteta could deploy Kai Havertz as a striker instead of using him in midfield.

The Germany international has received a ton of criticism for his performances this season. Arteta has come under fire too, with some claiming he’s playing Havertz in the wrong position at Arsenal. Tonight, that could change.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty ImagesMikel Arteta could use Kai Havertz as a striker in Arsenal vs Sevilla

Arsenal signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea in the summer in a £65 million deal (BBC).

The move raised a lot of eyebrows at the time, and most of the criticism that came Havertz’s way stands accurate even to this day.

The 24-year-old has mostly played as a left-sided attacking midfielder for Arsenal. He just doesn’t look comfortable there, which is why many are urging Mikel Arteta to change his position.

That could finally happen against Sevilla tonight.

Arteta confirmed yesterday that Gabriel Jesus is not fit to play against Sevilla, while Eddie Nketiah missed training due to a knock. He faces a late fitness test to see if he can make it (Mark Mann-Brynes).

If both Jesus and Nketiah are out, Leandro Trossard becomes a candidate for the false nine role, but there’s also a chance Havertz can get the nod up front for the first time since the Community Shield.

The German has played there on numerous occasions for club and country in the past, and having already scored the winner in the Champions League final as a striker, there is no reason why he can’t succeed in that role.

Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty ImagesHavertz as a striker could be a game-changer for Arsenal

Based on what we’ve seen over the last three months, playing Kai Havertz on the left side of midfield is just not working for Arsenal.

He looked considerably better on the opposite side against Newcastle United last weekend, but we think his best position in this Gunners side is as a striker.

Havertz will provide a different dimension for Arsenal up top. His height and physicality make him a great option to have, and the fact that he can link up play benefits everyone around him as well.

If Arteta starts Havertz up front and he has a good game, it could prove to be the turning point in the German’s career as an Arsenal player.