{"id":96902,"date":"2023-12-03T08:56:25","date_gmt":"2023-12-03T08:56:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stopsmokingway.com\/?p=96902"},"modified":"2023-12-03T08:56:25","modified_gmt":"2023-12-03T08:56:25","slug":"paul-merson-makes-bold-request-to-mikel-arteta-around-next-arsenal-starting-xi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stopsmokingway.com\/soccer\/paul-merson-makes-bold-request-to-mikel-arteta-around-next-arsenal-starting-xi\/","title":{"rendered":"Paul Merson makes bold request to Mikel Arteta around next Arsenal starting XI"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Arsenal icon Paul Merson has urged Mikel Arteta to use Kai Havertz as a centre-forward. There has been strong debate over Havertz\u2019 best position, despite Arteta mostly using the German in midfield.<\/p>\n

Havertz is highly regarded by managers for his versatility. The 24-year-old can play as a central midfielder and anywhere across a front three. He also slotted in at left-back for Germany during the most recent international break.<\/p>\n

But with Arsenal struggling for a prolific striker, many believe that Havertz should start in the role ahead of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. Jesus is Arteta\u2019s first-choice centre-forward but his inconsistency and susceptibility to injuries have called that status into question.<\/p>\n

Havertz was signed by Arteta to play in midfield alongside captain Martin Odegaard, replacing box-to-box star Granit Xhaka who joined Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. However, Merson believes the former Chelsea ace showed his ability to play as a striker with clever movement to score the winner against Brentford last weekend.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: <\/strong> Gabriel Jesus’ reaction to Zinchenko speaks volumes after incredible goal[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cThis is unbelievable play by Havertz, it is movement at its best,\u201d Sky Sports pundit Merson said over a replay of the strike, which secured a 1-0 triumph.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he should play up front. That was centre-forward movement – he drifts behind defenders and it\u2019s a great header. Confidence, every player will tell you, if you can bottle one thing it\u2019s confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Havertz often started in the centre of a front three for Chelsea during his final two years at Stamford Bridge. However, he was sometimes criticised for not scoring enough, bagging just seven Premier League goals last term.<\/p>\n