Alan Smith explains why one Arsenal star shares a ‘big similarity’ with him, Mikel Arteta ‘loves’ this

Arsenal legend Alan Smith was one of the more underrated legends of the 1990s, but he was brilliant at his best.

Smith scored 115 goals in 351 games for Arsenal, which included an iconic strike against Parma to win the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.

The Englishman was a deadly forward who excelled in several areas beyond his goalscoring, as he was technically confident whilst also providing a threat in the air.

Arsenal have had some excellent strikers over the years, and the latest forward catching the eye is Kai Havertz. Although some claim he is not a traditional centre-forward, he offers a lot to Mikel Arteta’s side beyond his goals, and he is thriving in the penalty area.

Havertz has been compared to other technical forwards such as Dimitar Berbatov, but Smith has now highlighted the similarities the German shares with himself.

Alan Smith highlights his similarities with Arsenal star Kai Havertz

Speaking to Arsenal club media, Smith praised Havertz following his strong run of recent form, and highlighted that the 25-year-old shares a lot of similarities with him.

“He’s not an orthodox centre-forward, but he’s got a lovely touch, just like me!” Smith stated.

“He’s good in the air, that’s a big similarity and he works hard for the team.

“Sometimes you don’t always see him, but defenders and midfielders of the opposing team would know because he closes down so quickly, and I’m sure his manager loves that about him.

“He’s got a knack of popping up and getting goals. It was a tough start to his Arsenal career but I’m so pleased now that he’s settled and an integral part of that first eleven.”

Is Kai Havertz the new Alan Smith for Arsenal?

Havertz is very different to speedy centre-forwards such as Thierry Henry and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whilst he is not a traditional number nine in the mould of Olivier Giroud either.

The 25-year-old brings an all-round combination of technical ability, aerial dominance and eye for goal which makes him perfectly suited to Arteta’s system, whilst his tireless work rate also sees him contribute defensively and in build-up.

Smith was renowned for his aerial ability, and Havertz is bringing a similar level of threat in the air, whilst also impressing with the ball at his feet, and much like the Englishman, he has popped up with goals in big games.

If Havertz stays at Arsenal in the long term, he looks set to surpass Smith’s goal record, and he will hope to play an important part in winning trophies like the former England striker did.