In a recent podcast episode, former Manchester United player and current football pundit, Gary Neville, made an intriguing comparison between Arsenal's rising star Kai Havertz and Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino. This claim comes as the Gunners continue their impressive run in the Premier League.
Arsenal has been on a near-flawless streak since the start of this year. Despite facing challenges over Christmas, they have managed to secure 15 victories out of their last 17 league games. Their only defeat came at home against Aston Villa last month while they also managed to secure a point at Etihad Stadium back in March.
This excellent run of form can be attributed to several factors including strategic tweaks from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and exceptional performances from key players. One such player who has stood out is Kai Havertz.
Kai Havertz has redeemed himself at Emirates
Havertz has been instrumental in leading the line for Arsenal in recent months. His performance on the field has not only proven his critics wrong but also drawn comparisons with some of football’s greats.
Neville explained why he sees similarities between Havertz and former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino during his podcast episode. He highlighted that like Firmino, Havertz is not just about scoring goals but plays a vital role for his team.
Manchester United legend, Gary Neville, said:
“Havertz is doing a similar thing to the thing that Firmino did at Liverpool, A little bit where he drops in, he links the play, he is providing a goal threat, but he is subservient to the team.
“He will do whatever the team needs in a game. You remember for large parts of the season, there were large question marks over Kai Havertz, but he has become a really important figure.
“I used to think that Firmino was a wonderful player for Liverpool, and obviously Mane and Salah used to get sort of all the plaudits and the main credit, and that’s right, but I used to always mention Firmino because of the way he played, just connecting midfield into the attack, and Havertz is doing something similar.”
Firmino was core to Liverpool’s success in Premier League
Firmino spent eight successful years with Liverpool before leaving last summer. Although he wasn't particularly known for his goal-scoring prowess, he was an integral part of Jurgen Klopp's side that won both Champions League and Premier League titles during his tenure.
The Brazilian forward netted 111 goals and provided 75 assists in 362 appearances for the Reds - stats that speak volumes about his contribution beyond just scoring goals.
As Arsenal continues its quest towards the Premier League title, the comparison between Havertz and Firmino serves as a testament to the former's growing influence in Arteta's side. It remains to be seen whether Havertz will emulate Firmino's success at Liverpool, but for now, he is certainly on the right path.
For sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike, this comparison adds another layer of intrigue to an already exciting Premier League season. As we head towards the final day of this thrilling race, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Arsenal and their star player Kai Havertz.
