Kai Havertz handed key new role that speaks volumes about growing importance

  /  autty

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.

Related: Arsenal Bayern Munich Real Madrid Rudiger Kimmich Nagelsmann Havertz
Latest comments
Download All Football for more comments