Mikel Arteta explains how he's got the best out of Kai Havertz as Arsenal boss responds to best-position question

Since being given the striker role in Arteta's squad over recent week, Havertz has proven to be a major asset for Arsenal. The 24-year-old German has contributed significantly to the north London team's Premier League title push during the last seven games, scoring five goals and dishing out four assists to help them rise to the top of the standings over Liverpool and Manchester City.

Talking to the media, Arteta was asked about whether the number nine position is the most comfortable for Havertz.

"No. The first convo I had with him I told him what my idea was and how he could impact the team," he said. "He’s got the capacity to adapt. If he’s feeling good, sometimes it’s about who he’s surrounded by rather than the position. I wouldn’t say he’s more comfortable as a nine. He did very similar as an eight."

Havertz was acquired by Arsenal last summer as part of a £65 million ($86m) deal with Chelsea in a move that confused both the London club's supporters and called Arteta's talent identification into question. While the 24-year-old has had difficulty staying consistent this season, he is beginning to feel at home with Arteta's team and will look to end the season in hot form as the Gunners challenge for the Premier League and the Champions League.

The German will likely be in action this weekend against Aston Villa in the Premier League, however, with a crunch second-leg against Bayern Munich coming up on April 17, Arteta may decide to rest the former Bayer Leverkusen star.