Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hailed the impact of new signings Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz after thumping an MLS All-Star side 5-0 in the USA.
Timber and Havertz both came on as second-half substitutes along with £105m man Declan Rice as goals from Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, Gabriel Martinelli and then Havertz ensured the Gunners got their pre-season tour of the USA off to a winning start.
And Arteta says he was very impressed by what he saw from his new additions, particularly Timber.
“I think you saw tonight that he’s a really versatile player,” Arteta said.
“We can use him in different positions. Within those positions, he gives you the capacity to invert, to occupy different spaces, he’s so comfortable on the ball in that phase.
“He’s got agression in duels and thay dynamism that I really like about him.
“I think he’s gelling really well with the team and I think he’s going to be a really important player for us.”
Havertz joined Arsenal for £65m this summer following a difficult season at Chelsea which saw him score just seven Premier League goals as the team’s main striker.
But Arteta has opted to use the German international in a midfield position instead though insists that his role could change throughout the season.
“I think, again, that’s one of the main qualities he has (his versatility),” Arteta said.
“He gives you something very different with his quality, with his size as well when we have to beat the press, for example. I used him as a target man.
“We will see. For now he’s playing in the attacking midfielder position, but I’m sure throughout the season and throughout games as well we’re going to have the option to use him in different positions.”
