“He just makes the people around him better”—Arteta lauds Havertz as Arsenal’s number nine | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta believes Kai Havertz makes others around him better and says the Arsenal forward is "five or ten seconds ahead" of opponents.

Havertz has started the season in fine form for Arsenal with three goals in five appearances for the Gunners.

The 27-year-old has nailed down the role as Arsenal's number nine this season, with Havertz preferred to last season's leading scorer, Viktor Gyokeres. Gyokeres scored 21 goals in all competitions last season but has featured for just 12 minutes across the opening threePremier League games.

Havertz has been instrumental in Arsenal's winning start to the season. He leads allPremier League forwards for shots on target and goal conversion percentage, and ranks among the top four forwards for accurate crosses, goal involvements, assists, key passes, and percentage of aerial duels won.

“Biggest quality is his understanding” — Arteta says Havertz is elevating Arsenal while leading the line

Speaking at hispre-match press conference ahead of facing Sunderland in the Premier League this weekend, Arteta was asked about the importance of Havertz to the side.

He said the German's 'biggest quality' was his understanding of the game and said Havertz brings out the best in his Arsenal teammates.

"He just makes the people around him better, which is another massive quality," Arteta said.

"On top of that, he is scoring goals, producing chances and his work rate, as we all know, is outstanding."