You lot will get steamrolled a lot with a midfield three of Rice, Havertz and Odegaard. I cannot see him working in a lot of games as an 8. Against low block teams, certainly, but in tight competitive games, just can’t see it working. And in the PL that is literally the top 12-14 at this point. He doesn’t have the work rate, pressing, legs or physicality to make that work. I think he’s going to end up on the bench more often than not, providing rotation and depth for the 10,9,7 and 11 positions. I’d say he’s far from guaranteed to even start. Which is nuts at 65m.
With time maybe he can develop into a viable 8., but it’s going to take time. If he does play there for you, I think it’ll make Arsenal more of a threat going forwards, but I think on the defensive transition, you’ll be caught out a lot. Can’t see Havertz tracking runners and getting back with any sense of reliability. I do genuinely think he’s been signed for that same role as Mount has been at United, to be a dynamic, forward thinking 8 on the left side. But he’s not the same player as Mount at all, and at first glance it seems a role he’s really not suited to.
It’ll be interesting to watch how Arteta uses him. At worst I think he gives the club more quality in depth across 3-4 positions, which is more important than most people want to acknowledge. But at the price point, you’d expect someone tailored made for a specific role.
Vis a vis Rice. Lots of people talking about the price, but that’s one that I take no issue with. Arsenal have picked themselves up one of the best midfielders in the league in Rice. So underrated by many on here. He’s absolutely top class, and while expensive as feck, he’ll have a huge impact on the team for a long time.
