Germany boss explains decision to play Arsenal’s Kai Havertz at LEFT-BACK

The Germans lost 3-2 to Turkey in a friendly on Saturday night as their woeful preparations for hosting Euro 2024 continued.

It was the first home game for new manager Julian Nagelsmann, but the biggest talking point of the game was the position Havertz was deployed in.

The attacking midfielder has been used in a variety of roles throughout his career – No.10, false-nine, striker, right-winger and most recently under Mikel Arteta deeper in midfield as a No.8.

But the 24-year-old can add another to his CV: Left-back in a back four that also includes his former Chelsea teammate Antonio Rudiger.

It was a truly bizarre decision, though by the sounds of things not one that we can expect to see too much in the future, at least according to Nagelsmann.

Speaking to RTL before the match, the German boss said: ‘Kai won’t always be in this position.

‘I have a great idea, he’s an exceptionally good footballer. This is a very good option. He won’t always play as a classic left-back.’

But, initially at least, the tactic was a masterstroke, with Havertz finding the back of the net just five minutes into the game, with the assist coming from Leroy Sane.

However, before Arteta gets too excited about this revelation, it should be noted that Turkey came from beind to lead 2-1 at half-time, before Germany levelled the game shortly after the break.

But though he started the game a hero, Havertz ended it the villain, conceding a penalty after handling the ball inside the box, with the visitors scoring the subsequent spot-kick whihc proved to be the winning goal.

Germany are in action again on Tuesday night against Austria and it’ll be interesting to see what Nagelsmann has in mind for Havertz then.

After the international break, Arsenal first travel to Brentford next Saturday evening, and given his lack of offensive output so far this season, maybe Arteta will be tempted to shift his £65million star into defence.