Mikel Arteta in agreement with Frank Lampard over Arsenal's 'talented boy'

Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Kai Havertz after the Germany star played a crucial role in Arsenal ’s convincing Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain.

Havertz scored the opening goal in the Gunners’ 2-0 triumph with Frank Lampard, the head coach who brought him to England, watching pitchside.

And Arteta said that he was as thrilled by the 25-year-old’s all-round performance at the Emirates.

“So powerful but as well so intelligent,” Arteta said. “The way he occupies the spaces, the way he connects everything together, his work ethic and now he’s around the box and you have the feeling that he’s going to score a goal.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta rates Arsenal's debutant in Champions League after just one training session

READ MORE: Sky Sports fans can save £216 on their bill, here's three other reasons you'll want to pick it

“The goal was superb, I think overall the performance was as good as from him, so really pleased with that.”

Former Chelsea boss Lampard - working as a pundit for Amazon Prime - admitted that when Havertz arrived at Stamford Bridge no one was certain of his best position.

But after plenty of criticism during his spell at Chelsea - despite scoring a Champions League final winning goal against Manchester City under Thomas Tuchel - Lampard is happy to see Havertz growing into a more widely heralded player.

“I brought him to Chelsea a good few years ago now, he was a young player,” Lampard said. “I think when he came to Chelsea it wasn't quite clear. He was a very talented player, his position wasn't quite clear.

“He'd been a No8, more of a midfield player, he'd been a No.9 and we never got to the end of his story at Chelsea. What was his best position?

"The faith that Mikel Arteta has shown in him in bringing him to the club and the faith that he's stuck with him... because I've got some Arsenal friends and when he first signed there were some question marks, like ‘what is he like?’

“I said ‘no trust me he's a talented boy, he will grow into the Premier League ’ and I think he's done that. He's a really relaxed lad, very easy going but I think there is a little streak beneath that where he wants to do well. He will be frustrated because he is just a boy who wants to do well.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.