“He can also do what Bellingham is doing at Real Madrid here at Arsenal if you help him to unlock his potential”- Arsenal legend Ian Wright warns Mikel Arteta not to lose star player who has been very instrumental for many Arsenal’s wins this season- Not Nketiah, not Smith Rowe and not Odegaards
“He can also do what Bellingham is doing at Real Madrid here at Arsenal if you help him to unlock his potential”- Arsenal legend Ian Wright warns Mikel Arteta not to lose star player who has been very instrumental for many Arsenal’s wins this season- Not Nketiah, not Smith Rowe and not Odegaard
Jude Bellingham’s recent standout performance against Barcelona provides Mikel Arteta with a compelling blueprint to maximize the potential of Arsenal’s own superstar, Kai Havertz. As Real Madrid’s rising star, Bellingham has dazzled since his arrival, notching an impressive tally of 13 goals and three assists in his first 13 appearances across various competitions. His stellar display during the highly anticipated El Clasico showcased his knack for decisive contributions, with a stunning long-range goal and a late match-winner securing victory for his team.
Comparing Bellingham to Havertz might initially raise eyebrows, given their contrasting personas and the divergent trajectories of their careers. While Bellingham basks in acclaim as one of the summer’s standout signings, Havertz faces mounting pressure to justify his hefty price tag. Yet, upon closer inspection, parallels emerge in their playing styles and the challenges they’ve encountered.
Havertz, once hailed as one of Europe’s most promising talents during his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, showcased remarkable versatility, scoring with ease using both feet and his head. His success often stemmed from his ability to exploit gaps in the opposition’s defense, capitalizing on the space created by his teammates’ movements. Partnering with Kevin Volland, a formidable target man, Havertz thrived by timing his runs and exploiting openings in the penalty area.
However, Havertz’s transition to Chelsea saw him thrust into unfamiliar roles, including a stint as a lone striker, which failed to harness his strengths effectively. Similarly, his deployment at Arsenal, primarily as a midfielder, has yet to yield the desired results, as he grapples with positional uncertainties and stiff competition for space in the team.
In contrast, Bellingham’s success at Real Madrid mirrors Havertz’s exploits in the Bundesliga, with both players excelling in roles that capitalize on their off-the-ball movement and spatial awareness. Bellingham’s proficiency in finding pockets of space behind the opposition’s defense, coupled with his instinctive finishing, echoes Havertz’s modus operandi during his heyday in Germany.
Diego Simeone’s astute observation of Bellingham’s reliance on his striker’s aerial prowess further underscores the importance of tactical synergy between a player and his supporting cast. For Arsenal, replicating this dynamic might necessitate acquiring a forward with the aerial presence to complement Havertz’s style—a strategic move that could unlock his full potential.
While the outcome of Havertz and Bellingham’s respective journeys remains uncertain, their stories serve as a reminder of the transformative power of tactical alignment. By tailoring strategies to accentuate a player’s strengths, managers like Arteta can reshape the narrative surrounding their stars and propel their teams to greater heights.