Coming into the Euros, many were unsure about Germany’s firepower in their frontline. In the disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign, the shortage of goals and finishing prowess were acute issues. Although Kai Havertz and Niclas Füllkrug endured prosperous seasons, they were considered imperfect remedies for Julian Nagelsmann to address the pertinent problem.

Of the two candidates, the former Champions League winner is favored by the German head coach – starting in the friendlies leading up to the first group-stage match in the Euros. And against Scotland, Havertz proved why he deserved to wear the prestigious No.7 jersey and start as a striker for his country.

Pushing the Line

Despite not possessing a blistering pace, Havertz supplies Germany with a threat behind opposition defensive lines through bursts of acceleration and intelligent movement. His first non-penalty goal for Arsenal in the Premier League is a fitting example. Havertz smartly noticed space at the back post, where he probed into and met the cross of Bukayo Saka to score the winner against Brentford.

With Scotland manager Steve Clarke aware of this danger, he instructed the defensive line to stay deep as a precaution. Although that can limit Havertz’s runs, it created space between the lines for Germany’s star boys – Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz – where they thrived.

Hence, the presence and movement of the Arsenal forward generated a threat elsewhere on the pitch for Germany to benefit from. For their first goal against the Scots, Havertz and İlkay Gündoğan executed clever forward runs to open the space between the lines for Wirtz to move into and score.

The silky forward’s off-ball motion also directly led to the second goal. Before analyzing Havertz’s involvement, notice the space between the lines that Germany’s midfielders adeptly occupied before Toni Kroos played the first pass.

After Gündoğan collected the ball, Havertz sharply commenced a run between the Scotland defenders. An accurate pass from the captain preceded the No.7’s assist for Musiala, doubling the score for the hosts.

Havertz can also utilize the space he creates by dropping in and receiving direct passes. From here, he can connect the midfielders in the pockets, turn and look for a penetrating pass, or progress the ball forward into advantageous areas.

The abundant ways Havertz contributes to the team by merely pushing the opposition’s defensive line provides Germany with various goal-scoring possibilities. If the team progresses into the knockout rounds, this attacking dynamism could prove a significant tactic for Nagelsmann to unlock more robust defensive units.

Protean Rotations

Havertz is an adaptable player who can also flourish in the half-spaces. Under Mikel Arteta last season, he was utilized in this area multiple times. Nagelsmann has implemented a similar tactic by unshackling Havertz and allowing him to occupy different positions during the game.

Therefore, there are times in the match when Havertz might switch roles with Gündoğan, Wirtz, or Musiala. If the opposition does not pay close attention, they may unknowingly lower their guard for Germany to strike as they create overloads in midfield and wide areas.

Kai Havertz’s touch map vs Scotland, per WhoScored

With the space between the lines proving the most rewarding in this tournament, the opposition will want to be attentive when Havertz wanders off the last line. Otherwise, he may hurt you in the blink of an eye.

Weapons in the Arsenal

In international football, tactics are often kept straightforward. But with Germany already showcasing their tactical nuance, it might compensate for the lack of goal-scoring firepower.

Furthermore, the contrasting profiles of Havertz and Füllkrug hands Nagelsmann added versatility, with the latter demonstrating his impact off the bench against Scotland with a thundering strike. In the World Cup, his first for Germany, the Borussia Dortmund striker also showcased his ability to immediately influence a match.

Although Nagelsmann might not have the ideal marksmen at his disposal, the variety of arms in the offensive chamber could be the vital ammunition that shoots Germany to European glory this summer.

By: Fahd Ahmed / @fahdahmed987

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Marc Atkins – Getty Images