Kai Havertz has been named as vice-captain of Germany after winning an ongoing battle with fans.
The Arsenal forward has been handed the responsibility alongside former Chelsea teammate Antonio Rudiger. Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has been named as the team’s new captain following the international retirement of Ilkay Gundogan.
Explaining his decision, Nagelsmann said: "The captain places the team's opinion with the coaching team. He [Kimmich] was the logical successor. He leads the way with his mentality.
"We have a very good mix with these three players [Kimmich, Havertz and Rudiger]," Nagelsmann added. Havertz’s appointment represents a dramatic turnaround for the Arsenal star.
The 25-year-old endured a tricky Euros for Germany in the summer. He scored just two goals for his nation during the tournament, with fans calling for him to be dropped for Niclas Fullkrug.
Responding to those calls at the time, boss Nagelsmann said: “If you look at it from the outside, a demand for Fulle [Fullkrug] is understandable, even though Kai comes off much worse in the public assessment. He has a clear job in many games, which means that he doesn’t have many ball actions because he should create space for others.
“He did that exceptionally well. In the internal assessment, Kai is ranked much higher than in the public. For the striker, it’s not always just about scoring a goal.
“If you’re substituted and the opponent is already tired, you might have a little more space. Fulle has a good rating, but Kai is an important player for us.”
Havertz will hope to have an impact in his new role in the upcoming international break. Germany kick off their Nations League campaign against Hungary on Saturday evening before a clash with the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
The forward has scored 18 goals in 51 caps for his nation so far. He also heads into the upcoming international break in brilliant form.
Havertz has two goals and an assist in the Gunners’ opening three games of the season. He scored 14 and notched seven assists in all competitions last term after joining Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea.
He will be hoping to keep up his bright start for the club after the international break with Arsenal’s upcoming clash against North London rivals Tottenham. The Gunners then begin both their Carabao Cup and Champions League campaigns ahead of what already looks to be a key tussle with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Sotackoy
1
kiosk
ruubcmnory
1
For sure Harvetz is useless. But some deluded Arsenal fans think otherwise
what other striker will put up his contributions on and off the ball for £65 million? I'll wait
Gunthemall90
1
For sure Harvetz is useless. But some deluded Arsenal fans think otherwise
shut u fool, how is he useless? brainless arsenal fan
miguelbumba
0
the guy said waist of money[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
He's wasting his parents' money; clearly not learning..
Sizabcluyz
0
I don't understand this particular phrase😕 what's this reporter on?? "Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has been named as the team’s new captain following the international retirement of Ilkay Gundogan"
I think the writer was on expire weeds
safarimiraji1
1
we're about to give him a new role at arsenal as the assistant manager
GaddafiJamal
0
the guy said waist of money[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Staaaaaaapppp Itttt😂😂😂💔🤦♂️
legendary_man
6
I don't understand this particular phrase😕 what's this reporter on?? "Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has been named as the team’s new captain following the international retirement of Ilkay Gundogan"
ALEXANDERSALEKXZ10
0
waste of money?
the guy said waist of money[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Pouabcikmr
2
sometimes the English used by the reporter surprises me
miguelbumba
1
Havertz is a waist of money
waste of money?
Ubong12
2
The fans only turn to a player when things aren't going as planned, they just singling one player out and he's always the one, The club fans have been able to show everyone that patience is key!! They end up singing his name
Ubong12
0
For sure Harvetz is useless. But some deluded Arsenal fans think otherwise
He might not score rapidly or decisive goals but his go ratio isn't so bad, 2goals, 1 assists in 2 games
nawceiprz
1
Arteta out with your useless Havertz
All these brainless Arsenal haters 😡
Gun1
0
Arteta out with your useless Havertz
For sure Harvetz is useless. But some deluded Arsenal fans think otherwise
Wotadekrtu
1
bimbale
ritcestuyz
1
Havertz is a waist of money
Mikel-ARTETA
1
Arteta out with your useless Havertz
please stop... havertz is not useless
kudknrsuz
1
Arteta out with your useless Havertz