- Frank Leboeuf has claimed that Kai Havertz’s best position is on the bench
- Havertz has struggled to make an impact since joining Arsenal from Chelsea
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Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has criticised Kai Havertz, claiming that the Arsenal player’s best position is on the bench.
Havertz joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer in a £65million move but has taken time to settle in north London.
There has been some debate regarding what Havertz’s best position is given that he can operate up front or in midfield.
Havertz has mainly been used in midfield so far but Leboeuf has claimed that the Germany international has made Arsenal unbalanced.
Asked what Havertz’ best position is, Leboeuf told ESPN FC: ‘Maybe right now on the bench (is his best position) because he doesn’t disturb the others. We talked about it in pre-season when we knew he signed. His positioning is going to affect the rest of the midfielders, they are unbalanced because of him and Odegaard playing in almost the same line.
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has criticised Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz
![Leboeuf mocked Havertz by claiming that the 24-year-old's best position is on the bench](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/30/13/76011401-0-image-a-16_1696075943701.jpg)
Leboeuf mocked Havertz by claiming that the 24-year-old’s best position is on the bench
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‘What made Arsenal strong last season, Odegaard was on his own trying to create the game and the others were working for him. Maybe playing on the left but when you have Trossard and Martinelli I don’t see any room for him. I think from Arteta it was a mistake to hire Havertz, I don’t find any good position for him.’
Havertz has made nine appearances for Arsenal so far but has yet to register a goal or an assist.
The 24-year-old also faces competition for his place in midfield from the likes of Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe.
Despite Havertz having received some criticism, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken positively about him and has praised his contribution to the team, especially off the ball.
After Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over PSV in the Champions League, Arteta hailed Havertz’s ‘intelligent’ performance.
![Havertz hasn't scored or assisted in nine games since he joined Arsenal from Chelsea](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/30/15/76011799-12578393-Havertz_hasn_t_scored_or_assisted_in_nine_games_since_he_joined_-m-40_1696082978286.jpg)
Havertz hasn’t scored or assisted in nine games since he joined Arsenal from Chelsea
Arteta said: ‘Yeah, he (Havertz) was really connected today in the game.
It’s true I asked him to play two different roles in regards to the behaviours of the opponents and he’s so intelligent that he does it. It’s just finishing one or two actions that we had but it’s coming and he’s so willing to do it.’
During his time at Chelsea Havertz scored the winner against Manchester City in the Champions League final in 2021.
However, by the end of his spell at Stamford Bridge Havertz appeared to be lacking confidence and that has seemingly continued since he joined Arsenal.
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