Mikel Arteta lauds Kai Havertz as Arsenal’s ‘powerhouse’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has showered praise on Kai Havertz, calling him the team’s genetic powerhouse. The German international has scored nine goals and has provided three assists in 21 matches of the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have been sidelined due to injuries and thus Havertz is expected to have the majority of the workload as a striker.

Arteta hinted that Havertz could well start for the Gunners in almost every match in the rest of the season.

“I don’t know … it is a possibility [he could start every game],” Arteta said. “Maybe we go through that scenario and he scores another 15 or 18 goals? Can you imagine? That’s a good scenario.

“Genetically, he is a powerhouse. He is so well-built. He is a player that anything you ask him, he is happy to do: to run in zone six, to be very robust, to make long distances. His body absorbs everything. And then he really looks after himself.

“When you see the professional, how he lives his life, it is immaculate. He does more than any other player there. That is not a coincidence. And then I think he is so intelligent.

“He knows what is good for him and what is not. We know how to manage him and we believe that when he says something it is for the right reason, not because he wants to avoid something. When something works, don’t touch him.”

Arteta added they are trying their best to manage the players’ workload in the ongoing season.

“Havertz has played a lot of football but his robustness, his availability is unbelievable,” Arteta continued.

“When you ask him he feels better when he is playing every three days. Against Girona for example, we gave him a rest. And then he felt fresher.

“He then had a very demanding game physically against Manchester City for the role that he had to do. We will see how they are. Players give you a lot of information but if you are playing well and scoring goals, all this helps.”

Arsenal will take on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semifinal second leg on Wednesday.