Since his arrival at Arsenal, Kai Havertz has been a polarizing figure, with debates surrounding his role as the team’s primary forward. Recently, Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand revealed just how much confidence Declan Rice has in Havertz’s ability to lead Arsenal’s attack.
Despite facing criticism since his transfer to the Emirates Stadium last summer, Havertz, 25, kicked off the new season with a bang. He scored Arsenal’s first goal against Wolves and later assisted Bukayo Saka for their second.
This performance came amid ongoing speculation that Arsenal might recruit a new striker, yet Havertz responded by proving his worth on the pitch. However, according to football.london, Rice—who also joined Arsenal last summer—is already convinced of Havertz’s potential.
Ferdinand shared on his YouTube channel that Rice spoke highly of Havertz, expressing confidence in his abilities as Arsenal’s main striker. “We don’t need a No. 9, Havertz is our guy,” Rice reportedly told Ferdinand, who was surprised by the level of confidence Rice displayed in Havertz.
While rumors circulate about Arsenal potentially signing a traditional striker, Ferdinand, along with guests Jody Morris and Joleon Lescott, emphasized Havertz’s value beyond just scoring goals. They highlighted his ability to create opportunities for his teammates, drawing a comparison to Erling Haaland, who is more focused on finishing.
Ferdinand further praised Havertz, noting his recent form with 10 goals in his last 15 games. He suggested that hearing such positive feedback from a current teammate like Rice bodes well for Havertz’s future at Arsenal.
Despite the presence of other forwards like Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, both of whom have had their struggles, Havertz appears to be flourishing under Mikel Arteta’s guidance. Last season, he nearly doubled his best league goal tally from his Chelsea days, signaling a potential breakthrough in his Arsenal career.
Though Havertz initially made his mark as a No. 10 at Bayer Leverkusen, his versatility has sometimes hindered his development.
Nevertheless, despite rumors of Arsenal seeking a new striker, it seems that at least one key figure within the club, Rice, is determined to see Havertz succeed as the team’s leading forward.
