Rio Ferdinand admits Arsenal star is “the type of player I hated playing against”

Kai Havertz was once deemed one of the top wonderkids to watch during his days at Bayer Leverkusen. After he earned a big money move to Chelsea, his career growth seemingly halted and was then labelled a ‘flop’. 

But that ‘flop’ tag has since been erased by the German international’s performances in an Arsenal shirt.

Havertz joined Arsenal amidst high expectations with a £60 million transfer fee, enduring criticism initially for a sluggish adaptation under Mikel Arteta. Nonetheless, he has transformed into one of the Premier League’s top performers, earning accolades from Rio Ferdinand, who lauds the German international’s clinical contributions in crucial moments.

Speaking to TNT Sports, former Manchester United and England defender Ferdinand commented on the Gunners’ forward: “His character, his mentality has to be applauded because questions were asked of him. The way he’s ghosting around in this penalty box at the moment is beautiful.”

“He remains hard to pick up at the moment because he isn’t a conventional number nine.

“He plays off of defenders, that’s the type of player I hated playing against and he’s really being clinical and effective.”

Havertz has changed his Arsenal and Premier League career around

The Arsenal forward faced scrutiny during his initial tenure at the club, having only scored once in his first 18 matches since his summer move from Chelsea. Overall, Havertz has registered eight goals and three assists in 27 Premier League appearances. Additionally, he also has a goal in the UEFA Champions League.

If Arsenal are to lift the Premier League title at the end of this gruelling title race then players like Havertz are going to have to step up to the plate down the stretch. Judging by his current form, he is certainly prepared to carry that weight on his shoulders, but he can’t do it on his own.