In an Arsenal that is in a title race for two of the most important trophies in the football world, one would expect that the defensive members of the team, who have done so much to stop their opposing teams from scoring them, to the extent of having conceded the least number of goals in this season’s premier league, will have among them the person to be crowned the dirtiest player in the squad. But no, they don’t. Surprisingly, the player crowned for such antics is Kai Havertz.
Who is a Dirty Player?
According to multiple sources, dirty players in the football context are players who engage in unsportsmanlike behavior or use tactics that violate the rules of fair play. Players usually use these antics to gain an advantage over an opponent. Whether physical or mental, The dirtiest plays include fouls like punching, kicking, and tripping, or more severe actions like stomping and spitting. Some obvious and not-so-foul-resultant dirty plays include abusing referees and players, intentionally breaking the rule when the officials are not looking, swearing, diving, and much more.
Kai Havertz. A Dirty Player
The tall, lanky forward’s declaration of being a dirty player could make many football spectators curious. Still, after looking at some of his dirty stats, you would conclude that Kai has a good amount of dirtiness. With over 30 fouls on his name this season for Arsenal, he leads in the most fouls by an Arsenal player. Understandably more than his goals scored. Still, his 30 fouls this season are merely below the amount he racked for Chelsea last season, 59. Dirty.
Arguments could indicate that he is a physical player who is merely a victim of his playing style. Truthfully, Havertz stands at an impressive 1.93 meters tall, which gives him a greater advantage when handling aerial duels against opposition defenders, combined with his impressive agility, even though he’s got a slight physical appearance. But that doesn’t exonerate him for his unpromising stats on committed fouls. One logically cannot commit over 30 fouls before the end of a football season because of his physicality. But beyond his consistency in committing fouls, his other on-field antics cement my belief that he is a dirty player.
His Diving Incidents
After scoring the winning goal, Brentford’s manager, unhappy with Haverts earlier diving antics, said, “I don’t think Haverts should have been on the pitch before he scored. It was a clear dive. Maybe it was difficult for the ref, but the linesman should have seen it,” in a post-match conference. In another incident, Harverts got a yellow card for a clear dive in an FA Cup semi-final tie between Chelsea and Crystal Palace. Reacting to that incident, Former Tottenham Hotspur Wideman said,
“It’s actually stupid of him because his first touch takes him past the defender anyway. He’s in; he can get a shot off. He’s almost one-on-one with the goalkeeper.”
“Shocking from him. I hate to see it in the game. We need to get it out as quickly as possible.
“I would have sent him off.”
Havertz’s Fiery Confrontations against His Opposition
Kai is a player who doesn’t shy away from aggressive confrontations. He’s had his fair share of fiery confrontations with his opposition players, which confirms his dirty status.
Against Sergio Ramos:
At 21-year-old. Havertz had a fierce encounter with one of the game’s greatest warriors, Sergio Ramos. In a Champions League match with Chelsea.
Against Trent Alexander Arnold:
In an intense League Cup final against Liverpool, Havertz and Trent got themselves in a butted head position after their legs collided in a challenge.
Aganist Emiliano Martinez:
After his goal was disallowed in a tense match against Aston Villa, Havertz was back on the pitch to showcase how unpleasant he was with that decision.
Against FC Porto:
In the second leg of the Champions League game between Arsenal and FC Porto, Havertz somehow managed to irritate the whole of FC Porto’s bench after he pushed their manager in a throw-in incident.
Also Read: Olivier Giroud Accepts an 18-month Contract With Los Angeles FC
Has Havertz Developed a Dirty Reputation?
Being a dirty player in football is not an uncommon phenomenon. There are players whose style of play gets them so many sticks for being dirty players, but a closer look will suggest such labeling is not the reality. But then, there are ones whose whole character and style of play not only indicate what a dirty player they are but have been severely punished for their unsportsmanlike behavior.
Havertz, though having shown notoriety for committing fouls and irritating others, has not honestly propelled to such a level. Such players, like Luis Suarez, who had been banned on two occasions for biting his opposing players and racially abusing his opponents, could have a stake as players who have a dirty reputation in sports.