The message you provided discusses the potential of Kai Havertz and the impact of Jude Bellingham at their respective clubs, Chelsea and Real Madrid. The suggestion is that Arsenal could learn from Bellingham’s success to unlock Havertz’s potential. Here’s a paraphrased version that expands upon these points:
The warning from Arsenal legend Ian Wright emphasizes the importance of helping a star player, who played a crucial role in Arsenal’s recent 5-0 victory over Sheffield, reach his full potential. This player is neither Nketiah, Smith Rowe, nor Odegard. Instead, the focus is on Kai Havertz, who has been struggling to find his ideal position within the Arsenal lineup. Wright suggests that learning from Jude Bellingham’s success at Real Madrid could be the key to solving Havertz’s positional dilemma.
Jude Bellingham’s exceptional performance at Real Madrid has caught the attention of football enthusiasts. Since joining Los Blancos, he has made a significant impact, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists in his first 13 games across all competitions. One of the standout moments was his performance in El Clasico against Barcelona, where he scored a long-range equalizer and a stoppage-time winner.
On the surface, comparing Havertz and Bellingham might seem unusual. They possess different characteristics and personalities, and their performances have been quite contrasting. Bellingham is hailed as one of the best signings of the summer, while Havertz has struggled to meet the expectations associated with his hefty price tag.
To understand Havertz’s situation, we must revisit his time at Bayer Leverkusen, where he enjoyed significant success. His ability to score with both feet, his head, and even from the penalty spot showcased his versatility. He thrived in a role where he exploited the spaces left by other players who were focused on the striker. Kevin Volland, a tall target-man, played a pivotal role in creating these opportunities.
However, Havertz’s transition to Chelsea altered his playing position and role. Instead of occupying those spaces, he was expected to be the center-forward due to his height. This shift in position affected the types of chances he received, and the expected success did not materialize. His move to Arsenal under Mikel Arteta further complicated his role, with experiments in midfield. But he struggled to find the same spaces, often competing for positions with Martin Odegaard.
The question of Havertz’s best position became a topic of debate, even though his success in the Bundesliga seemed to provide a clear blueprint. Interestingly, Jude Bellingham’s journey in La Liga mirrors Havertz’s earlier success in the Bundesliga.
Bellingham’s goal-scoring prowess at Real Madrid is attributed to his ability to play off a big striker and exploit the spaces that open up behind the opposition’s defensive line. His performance in El Clasico highlighted his ability to find pockets of space left by the striker’s movements, giving him time to take shots. He excels at ghosting into spaces behind the defensive line when they are focused on other threats.
Diego Simeone, the Atletico Madrid manager, noted Bellingham’s knack for taking advantage of his striker’s aerial game, which emphasizes the importance of having a strong aerial presence upfront. In the case of Bellingham, Joselu’s return to Real Madrid played a similar role as Volland did for Havertz in the past.
The strength and weakness of these players, Havertz and Bellingham, are somewhat comparable to their past successes. However, Arsenal faces a challenge in finding that aerial presence up front, as neither Eddie Nketiah nor Gabriel Jesus offer it. This might necessitate a move for a new striker in the upcoming transfer windows.
