The experienced Swiss midfielder also took time to adapt to the position (Pictures: Getty)
Granit Xhaka has urged Kai Havertz to stay calm as he adapts to his new role as a No.8 in Arsenal’s midfield and believes he will make the critics ‘eat their words’.
The Germany international arrived in north London in a £65million deal from Chelsea this summer and was handed the task of replacing Xhaka – who opted to join Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
After a number of a rocky seasons at the Emirates, and one high-profile bust-up with supporters, Xhaka finally started to thrive under Mikel Arteta and was a huge part of last season’s title push playing in a more attacking, box-to-box No.8 role.
Havertz did not initially seem like an obvious replacement given he spent most of the previous campaign playing as a false nine for Chelsea, while, despite his versatility, it was not a role he had played before that either.
He struggled to get to grips with the new role at the start of the campaign, briefly losing his place in the side, but has been on form more recently, netting in four of the Gunners’ last seven games.
Xhaka, who required a similar adaption period, is in no doubt about Havertz’s ability and has urged him to remain patient as he develops into the role.
‘I know what it’s like for Kai, when people on the outside are a little bit nervous and the fans get restless,’ Xhaka told The Athletic.
Havertz has found his scoring touch recently (Picture: Getty)
‘He just needs to stay calm. It’s a new position for him and it takes time to fully understand Mikel’s philosophy.
‘But he’s getting better all the time and his confidence is coming back now.
‘Everyone knows his potential but having the confidence of your club, your manager and your team-mates is everything. You always need that backing.’
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He added: ‘Arsenal supporters sometimes can take a bit of persuading to change their minds. But at the end, I won them around.
‘I hope for Kai that he will do the same, and that the critics will eat their words.’
Xhaka also revealed that he and his wife will be taking advantage of German football’s winter break to attend Arsenal’s home match against West Ham on December 28: ‘It will be our chance to say goodbye to the players, the staff and the supporters properly.’
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The Swiss midfielder also took time to adapt to the position.