Julian Nagelsmann’s Kai Havertz Left-Back Experiment For Germany – Scout Report

In a tumultuous match that marked Julian Nagelsmanns home debut as Germanys head coach, the team faced a chaotic showdown against Türkiye, resulting in their first loss under Nagelsmanns leadership.

The Olympiastadion in Berlin, though technically a home ground, felt like an away game.

Apart from the result, one noteworthy talking point from the game was Nagelsmanns unconventional deployment of Arsenals Kai Havertz as a left-back.

Evidently anticipating the ensuing controversy, Nagelsmann preemptively clarified his choice to field Havertz in a wide position before the match:

We have different formations depending on how high the opponent stands and defends. Kai wont always be in that position; I have a lot of ideas for him because he is an excellent footballer. Its an excellent option. He wont always play as the classic left-back that you might know.

As we will see in this analysis, Havertz, traditionally an attacking midfielder, found himself positioned in a defensive role, a departure from his usual deployment.

This shift prompts a closer examination of Nagelsmanns tactics and Kai Havertzs adaptability in a new position.

This tactical analysis, which is a scout report, is essential to dissect how Havertz navigates and contributes to Julian Nagelsmanns tactical framework from the left-back position.

Kai Havertz Left-back Position

On the left flank, contenders for the role include David Raum from Leipzig and Robin Gosens from Union Berlin.

However, Raum faced challenges in convincing at the highest level during the World Cup in Qatar, while Gosens has experienced a dip in form since his move to Union.

Moreover, both players are perceived to lack defensive qualities, and their strengths shine more prominently in a three-man defensive chain, a setup that has seen unsuccessful trials in the DFB team on multiple occasions.

Nagelsmann deserves acknowledgement for attempting to integrate Havertz into his system, but with the emergence of talents like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz and the resurgence of Sané, finding a suitable role for Havertz in the German setup is becoming increasingly challenging.

Previously considered a potential centre-forward for Germany, that path appears to be closed as Füllkrug continues his goal-scoring spree.

The Dortmund striker notched his tenth goal in just his 12th appearance.

Given his undeniable talent and the need for him to be a crucial part of Julian Nagelsmanns plans, its imperative to identify a fitting role for Kai Havertz.

Consequently, Havertz could play a more advanced role in the German back four, especially when in possession, akin to the role Alphonso Davies played at FC Bayern under Nagelsmann.

The DFB head coach emphasised, Kai has everything in terms of size, speed, quality, and a sense of responsibility to play such an offensive role.

Kai Havertz Style Of Play

Deployed as a left back in Germanys tactical setup, Kai Havertz assumed a natural LB position off the ball, forming part of a 4-2-3-1 shape.

However, when in possession, his role becomes more advanced, resembling that of the left midfielder or winger in a 3-2-4-1 shape