Arsenal's star should be benched according to a Bild poll

Kai Havertz is some sort of Germany’s very own Alvaro Morata. Both he and the Spanish international can be put in the same category – players who are not fan favourites but are adored by their coaches. Both footballers were even subjects of fan abuse at their former clubs, but all coaches appreciated their skills, abilities and contributions to the team. The problem with Havertz is even bigger than with Morata – unlike the Atletico Madrid striker, the German international is not a classic number 9, but is more of a ‘false nine’ or ‘forward’, which usually means that he has abilities to play as a striker (but is not one) or behind the striker (but he is not the typical attacking midfielder). So, as a hybrid attacking player, he is often in the number 9 role, which is quite good in some tactical situations, but he doesn’t score as many goals as the proper striker should, and the fans get annoyed by that. Not only Chelsea and Arsenal fans but German fans, too.

The EURO hosts have won their two opening games of the tournament and drew against Switzerland, and Havertz started all three games. But he scored only in one of them (a penalty in a 5-1 win over Scotland), while his sub (and a classic number 9) Niclas Fullkrug scored two goals coming from the bench, one of which was an equalizer against the Swiss in injury time. So, German Bild, decided to organize a pool for their readers with a question should Havertz start in Die Mannschaft. Around 138.000 supporters voted and 90 per cent wanted the Arsenal star to be dropped for Borussia Dortmund’s Fullkrug. Ž

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What’s even worse, Havertz played a great season (with a bumpy start) in Arsenal, and backed by Mikel Arteta, scored 13 goals and assisted in another seven, which turned out to be his best season. And yet he could be dropped against Denmark in the Round of 16.

“Fullkrug has a chance to start, but Kai has the same chances. Kai had three good chances, and he was annoyed that he didn't take two. He headed the ball onto his own shoulder. He still played a good game. Fullkrug provides arguments for both things. To continue to act as a substitute because he does it really well, he scores his second substitute goal. Or to play from the start. It is both a joy and a sorrow for him that he fulfils the role well” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - GROUP STAGE

Wednesday

19.00: (3.30) Slovakia (2.05) Romania (3.85)

19.00: (5.60) Ukraine (3.90) Belgium (1.70)

22.00: (7.80) Georgia (5.20) Portugal (1.43)

22.00: (2.65) Czech R. (3.40) Turkey (2.80)

***odds are subject to change***