Kai Havertz had a wishy-washy performance on Saturday, November 18, 2023, as Germany lost 3-2 to Turkey, in a friendly encounter.
Havertz raced the Germans into an early lead, scoring in the 5th minute after he was shockingly deployed as a left-back during the game.
Kai Havertz put in an average showing on the day, and several individuals took exception to the decision taken by manager Julian Nagelsmann to start the Chelsea man in defense.
Legendary retired defender, Lothar Matthaus, termed the decision of Nagelsmann as a “slap in the face” to defenders who should have played.
However, a shocking incident occurred during the clash and it has left many across the globe stunned.
Havertz was fed the ball on the right wing from IIkay Gundogan, and he controlled it nicely but shockingly under no overwhelming pressure, the 24-year-old shielded the ball out of play.
Referee Bartosz Frankowski obviously awarded a free-kick to Turkey, and they eventually won the game, courtesy of a defining penalty scored by Yusuf Sari in the 71st minute.
The moment has since gone viral on social media, drawing several reactions from fans across the globe wondering the rationale behind his actions.
Kai Havertz joined Arsenal from Premier League rivals Chelsea on July 1, 2023, for a fee of €75 million.
He is yet to hit the ground running at the club, with several fans of the North London club feeling that Arsenal’s decision to sign the German was the wrong one.
Havertz has made 19 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist across all competitions.
Julian Nagelsmann on Kai Havertz performance against Turkey
Following the encounter against Turkey, Julian Nagelsmann lauded Kai Havertz for his showing in the game and even said he was probably the best player on the pitch.
Nagelsmann said: “I don’t see this (playing at left-back) as a risk for him but as a very, very big opportunity to play a key role at the Euros.
“For the first time in an unfamiliar position, he did extremely well and probably was our best player.”
Kai Havertz has been utilized in several positions during his career, in midfield and even in attack.
The former Bayer Leverkusen man can function in a false 9 position and also produce the goods on his day.
Havertz’s football career has been shaky, with him experiencing breakthroughs during his days with Leverkusen, unfortunately, he hasn’t reached those heights since moving to England.
Kai Havertz has made 361 appearances so far in his career, scoring 105 goals and providing 51 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, the 24-year-old has made 41 appearances for the German national team, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions.
Havertz will hopefully return to action with Arsenal on Saturday, November 25, 2023, in a league game against Brentford.
