Freddie Ljungberg says he doesn’t care what the public opinion is on Kai Havertz, he believes the German is an important player for Arsenal.

Former Arsenal winger, u21 coach, and interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg believes Kai Havertz is a key player for Mikel Arteta’s side, despite the criticism of the ex-Chelsea man earlier in the campaign.

Ljungberg was particularly impressed with Havertz’s performance against Sheffield United, with the German international providing another goal and assist in Arsenal’s 6-0 win.

“He played well,” Ljungberg said (via HITC). “He is important for Arsenal – I think he has a great left foot. I don’t care what people say, is Havertz a success or not a success. His technical ability is great.

“When he is calm like this (going through on goal against Sheffield United), he just buries them. He hits it cleanly, calmly and it was a great goal.”

Havertz has been in great form for Arsenal lately, with three goals and two assists in his last three Premier League appearances.

The 24-year-old hit double figures for direct goal contributions for Arsenal on Monday, bringing his tally for the season to 11 by the end of the night.

Suggesting that Havertz has ensured Arsenal haven’t missed Gabriel Jesus up front may even be doing the German a disservice. Right now it’s hard to think of a time when the Gunners have looked more threatening than this run with him in the side.

But for all the good things you can say about Havertz and Arsenal on current form, it won’t mean much if they can’t keep it going.

The biggest games of the season are still to come, and that’s when Havertz needs to make his name as an Arsenal player.