“I love him so much, he remind me of how i use to play football when i was still a player before i retired”- Man United ex striker Dimitri Berbatov says Arsenal is the only club in PL that have a 24-years old player who plays just like him- Not Saka, Not Declan Rice and not Odegard
In a recent interview with Stadium Astro, Dimitar Berbatov, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United striker, shared his admiration for Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, identifying the 24-year-old midfielder as the Premier League player who most closely mirrors his own playing style.
Berbatov, a two-time league title winner during his tenure at Manchester United, expressed his reluctance towards making player comparisons but pointed out Havertz for his unique approach on the pitch. He emphasized the similarities in their movements, noting Havertz’s deliberate and thoughtful style of play, contrasting it with a sense of urgency.
Kai Havertz has been gradually finding his rhythm at Arsenal after facing initial challenges adapting to the club since his move from Chelsea. In his recent performances, the 24-year-old has demonstrated significant improvement, notably scoring three goals in his last five Premier League outings from a midfield position.
Micah Richards, a former footballer turned pundit, echoed this sentiment, asserting that Havertz is only starting to make a notable impact under the guidance of Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta. The German midfielder had faced criticism earlier in the season as he grappled with the demands of a new system at the North London club.
Berbatov’s praise for Havertz extended beyond their shared playing style. He commended the young Arsenal star’s ability to navigate the pitch with a calm demeanor, showcasing good touch and a studious approach to the game. While Berbatov emphasized that he generally dislikes drawing parallels between players, he couldn’t help but acknowledge Havertz’s distinctive qualities reminiscent of his own.
The former Spurs player, who earned acclaim for his exceptional ball control, composure in possession, and goal-scoring prowess, bestowed considerable praise upon Havertz. Reflecting on his own successful career in England, where he secured six major trophies, Berbatov’s comparison provides a significant confidence boost for Havertz, despite the latter having a journey ahead to match Berbatov’s illustrious achievements in the sport.