Thomas Partey Hails Kai Havertz as Arsenal’s Most Underrated Star
Arsenal and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has named Kai Havertz as the most underrated player at the club, lauding the German international’s tireless work ethic, adaptability, and quiet leadership on the pitch. The Ghanaian star made the remarks during a video segment for Footy Culture, offering insight into the inner workings of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad.
In a segment where Partey was asked to highlight an underrated figure in the team, he quickly pointed to Havertz, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for a fee reported to be around £65 million.
“Kai Havertz. I think he works so hard and for people, it’s hard to see,” Partey said, acknowledging that the German’s value often goes unnoticed by fans and pundits alike. “He’s everywhere — defending, attacking, linking play. People don’t always see the work he does behind the scenes.”
From Chelsea Scrutiny to Arsenal Mainstay
Havertz’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium initially raised eyebrows, with many supporters questioning the club’s decision to invest such a hefty sum in a player who had struggled to find consistent form at Chelsea. Despite scoring the winning goal in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final for the Blues, the 25-year-old German often faced criticism for inconsistency and lack of a defined role.
But Arteta and then-sporting director Edu Gaspar were unwavering in their belief in Havertz’s potential. They envisioned him as a versatile attacking asset — capable of operating as a false nine, a central midfielder, or even as a second striker depending on tactical requirements.
That belief began to pay off in the second half of the 2023/24 season, and by early 2024, Havertz had transformed into one of Arsenal’s most pivotal players.
A Quiet Engine in Arsenal’s Push for Silverware
Havertz’s contributions went beyond statistics. His intelligent movement off the ball, defensive work rate, and ability to break lines with passes made him essential to Arteta’s fluid system.
By the start of 2025, Havertz had contributed 12 goals and 9 assists in all competitions, while also ranking among the top Arsenal players for distance covered per match and successful tackles in the final third.
“People see goals and assists, but don’t always recognize what he does when we don’t have the ball,” Partey emphasized. “He sacrifices a lot for the team.”
His form helped propel Arsenal into a heated Premier League title race with Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as into the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Injury Blow and Arsenal’s Struggles
However, Havertz’s momentum was halted when he picked up a muscle injury in March, sidelining him during a critical stretch of the season. In his absence, Arsenal’s attack began to falter, and the balance in midfield weakened.
The Gunners eventually fell short in the Champions League, losing to Paris Saint-Germain 4-2 on aggregate, and also lost ground in the Premier League race with just two games left to play.
“He was a huge loss for us,” said manager Mikel Arteta following the second-leg defeat to PSG. “Kai had become a glue between the lines. His intelligence and positional play were crucial in our build-up and press.”
Fans’ Perspective Slowly Changing
Though initially met with skepticism, Havertz has started winning over the Arsenal fanbase, particularly those who appreciate the subtleties of modern midfield play. Many now recognize that his performances go beyond flashy numbers — he’s become an integral cog in Arsenal’s tactical machinery.
On social media, fans have increasingly rallied behind the German, praising his humility and determination. The shift in sentiment has been noticeable, especially after the club’s recent setbacks in his absence.
“He’s been one of our best players this season, no doubt,” tweeted an Arsenal supporter after the PSG loss. “We didn’t realize how much we needed him until he was out.”
Partey’s Veteran Perspective
As one of the more experienced players in Arsenal’s young squad, Thomas Partey’s praise carries significant weight. The Ghanaian himself has had a season of highs and lows, missing key fixtures due to injury but returning in time to contribute to the club’s European campaign.
Now 31, Partey has embraced a more mentoring role within the squad, helping younger talents like Declan Rice, Fabio Vieira, and Martin Ødegaard develop their games while continuing to provide midfield steel and composure when called upon.
“Kai is a quiet leader,” Partey added. “He doesn’t talk much, but he leads with action. That’s the kind of player every team needs.”
Looking Ahead
As the season winds down, Arsenal will be desperate to secure maximum points in their final Premier League fixtures in hopes of snatching the title from City’s grasp. Whether or not Havertz returns in time remains uncertain, though reports suggest he could be fit for a potential final-day appearance.
Regardless of the outcome, Thomas Partey believes Havertz’s emergence this season is just the beginning of what he can offer the club in the long term.
“He’s still young, still learning. But what he’s already doing for us is incredible,” Partey concluded. “People will see it more in the years to come.”
With his blend of technical skill, tactical awareness, and selfless work, Kai Havertz is proving that being underrated doesn’t mean being unimportant. Thanks to vocal support from teammates like Partey, his contributions are finally beginning to get the recognition they deserve.
