German Legend Anoints Kai Havertz as “World-Class in Many Positions
German Legend Anoints Kai Havertz as “World-Class in Many Positions”
German football legend Michael Ballack has publicly praised Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz, describing the 25-year-old as a “world-class player in many positions.” Ballack’s endorsement of Havertz comes at a critical time for the versatile midfielder, who has faced scrutiny since his summer transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal. Ballack, a former Chelsea and Germany captain, emphasized that Havertz’s ability to excel in multiple roles makes him one of the most valuable players in world football today.
In an exclusive interview with Bild on Sunday, Michael Ballack reflected on the progression of Kai Havertz’s career, particularly his ability to adapt to different tactical setups and roles within various teams.
“Kai Havertz is a world-class player, and his versatility is what sets him apart,” Ballack stated. “He has the technical skill, intelligence, and physical attributes to excel in many different positions on the pitch. Whether he’s playing as a No. 10, a false nine, or even deeper in midfield, he has consistently proven that he can contribute to any team.”
Ballack went on to highlight Havertz’s football intelligence, noting how the young German understands the game in a way that allows him to seamlessly transition between positions.
“Not many players can adapt like he does. He reads the game so well and can change his style depending on what the team needs. This is why he was successful at Chelsea, and it’s why he’ll become even more important at Arsenal. His football IQ is exceptional,” Ballack added.
Kai Havertz’s journey to becoming one of Europe’s most versatile and talented players began at Bayer Leverkusen, where he made his senior debut at just 17 years old. It didn’t take long for Havertz to attract the attention of Europe’s elite clubs with his combination of technical ability, vision, and scoring prowess.
In 2020, Havertz made a high-profile move to Chelsea for a reported €80 million, becoming the most expensive German player in history at the time. His first season at Stamford Bridge was highlighted by his match-winning goal in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City, securing Chelsea their second-ever European crown.
Despite flashes of brilliance at Chelsea, Havertz struggled to consistently deliver, often playing in a variety of positions that made it difficult for him to settle into one specific role. However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta saw potential in Havertz’s versatility and was instrumental in bringing him to North London during the summer of 2024 for a reported £65 million.
At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has been clear about his intentions for Havertz, viewing him as a key component in the club’s long-term vision. In pre-season interviews, Arteta spoke highly of Havertz’s technical ability and the many ways he could fit into Arsenal’s tactical plans.
“Kai is a very special player,” Arteta said during a press conference in July. “He can play in different roles, and that’s important for the way we want to play. He has the ability to be a creative force in midfield, but he can also be a goal threat when playing higher up the pitch. We’re excited about what he can bring to the team.”
Since joining Arsenal, Havertz has been deployed in various positions, including as an advanced midfielder and a false nine, as Arteta continues to experiment with different tactical setups. Despite some early struggles to adapt to the Premier League’s physicality, Havertz has shown flashes of the brilliance that made him one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
While Ballack and Arteta have both praised Havertz’s versatility and potential, not everyone has been as complimentary. Some critics have pointed out that Havertz’s adaptability has also been his Achilles’ heel, with the player often struggling to find consistency in one specific position. Pundits have questioned whether his frequent position changes have stunted his development, particularly during his time at Chelsea.
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Paul Merson, speaking on Sky Sports, commented on Havertz’s need for stability in one role.
“Kai Havertz is clearly a talented footballer, but I don’t think moving him around the pitch all the time is doing him any favors,” Merson said. “He needs to be given a specific role and allowed to grow into it. Constantly switching positions doesn’t help a player develop consistency.”
However, Ballack was quick to defend Havertz against these criticisms, arguing that his adaptability is an asset, not a weakness.
“Kai’s ability to play in multiple positions should be seen as a strength,” Ballack remarked. “It’s rare to find a player who can contribute in so many different areas of the pitch. Some may see it as a lack of consistency, but I believe it shows his intelligence and flexibility as a footballer.”
Kai Havertz has remained humble throughout the praise and criticism he has received during his career. In a recent interview with Kicker, Havertz acknowledged the challenges of adapting to new roles but expressed confidence in his ability to rise to the occasion.
“Every player wants to play their best football and help the team in whatever way they can,” Havertz said. “For me, that has meant playing in different positions, and while it’s not always easy, I’m grateful for the trust managers have shown in me. I feel I’m learning all the time, and I’m confident I can contribute to Arsenal’s success in whatever role the manager asks of me.”
Havertz also addressed the praise from Ballack, who has been a mentor to him since his early days at Bayer Leverkusen.
“To hear those words from someone like Michael is a huge honor,” Havertz added. “He’s someone I’ve always looked up to, and I’m grateful for his support. I’m focused on improving every day and helping Arsenal achieve great things this season.”
As Arsenal continues to build under Mikel Arteta, Kai Havertz’s versatility will be key to the club’s aspirations for domestic and European success. With the endorsement of German legend Michael Ballack, who believes Havertz is “world-class in many positions,” the 25-year-old midfielder is poised to play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s future. While critics may question his adaptability, Havertz remains determined to prove that his ability to shine in multiple roles is a strength, not a flaw.
