Arsenal's Kai Havertz is delivering ‘big moments,' says Rio Ferdinand - ‘What he's been brought in for’

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand says Kai Havertz is the type of player he "hated" playing against as he discussed the "big moments" the German has delivered for Arsenal of late.

The Arsenal forward received criticism during his early days at the club, after scoring just once in his first 18 appearances following his summer transfer from Chelsea.

However, four goals in his last five matches in all competitions have seen Havertz provide the kind of evidence to back up Arsenal spending £60 million on the Germany international.

Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Arsenal's last-16 tie in the UEFA Champions League against Porto, Ferdinand thinks Havertz deserves a lot of praise for his determination.

“His character, his mentality has to be applauded because questions were asked of him,” he said.

Havertz has been playing as the focal point of an attack which also interchanges Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus.

“The way he’s ghosting around in this penalty box at the moment is beautiful," Ferdinand added.

“He remains hard to pick up at the moment because he isn’t a conventional number nine.

“He plays off of defenders, that’s the type of player I hated playing against and he’s really being clinical and effective.”

Arsenal’s impressive goal return has them well placed in the Premier League title race, as they try to hold off the challenge of Liverpool and Manchester City.

From the start of February, Arteta’s side scored 26 times in their next six top-flight matches to put their goal difference some way ahead of their rivals.

Ferdinand thinks Havertz’s experience of stepping up in big games will also prove crucial as the season reaches a dramatic conclusion.

The German scored the only goal of the 2021 UEFA Champions League final as Chelsea beat Manchester City for Europe’s biggest trophy.

On current form, Ferdinand thinks Havertz is ready to deliver again.

“It’s the efficiency with which he’s finishing in recent weeks that’s been impressive. They’re big goals, big moments and that’s what he’s been brought in for.

“No matter what anyone wants to say about him, Champions League final comes and he turns up and scores the winning goal, so this stage isn’t too big for him.

"He’s been here, done this and he’s proved himself at this level and he’s just doing that now at a new club," Ferdinand said.

Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports, said he felt the progression of Havertz was never in doubt.

"We knew that he was going to be a player with tremendous impact for the team," the Gunners boss said.

"He needed a bit of time, a bit of love and now things are clicking."

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