Gary Neville defends Liverpool icon Roberto Firmino in heated Kai Havertz debate

Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher clashed over comparisons between Kai Havertz and Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino while discussing Arsenal’s attacking options.

Havertz has established himself as Mikel Arteta’s preferred striker at the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign, starting ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.

The German has already scored in Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City and their 3-0 Premier League opening-day win against Coventry City.

However, Neville believes Arsenal could still lack a truly frightening presence through the middle as they attempt to defend their Premier League title.

Havertz has never been regarded as a prolific Premier League goalscorer, reaching double figures in the competition only once.

His movement, versatility and ability to connect Arsenal’s attack remain valuable to Arteta, but Neville believes opposing defenders will not fear him in the same way they would an elite goalscorer.

“I think having Havertz up front means the centre-backs can afford to edge over to his side a little bit more,” Neville said on Sky Sports.

“Havertz is a good player, he's a very good performer, but he's not going to frighten the life out of you.”

Carragher responded by pointing towards Firmino, whose Liverpool role was not primarily built around scoring goals.

“It didn't stop Mo Salah with Firmino,” Carragher argued.

That comparison immediately prompted a strong response from Neville.

“Please, don't disrespect Firmino in terms of what a player he was,” the former Manchester United defender replied.

Carragher clarified that he was specifically referring to Firmino's goalscoring rather than his overall contribution.

Neville nevertheless insisted the Brazilian was fundamental to Liverpool's success alongside Salah and Sadio Mane.

“He was unbelievable in the way in which he was a foil for Mane and Salah. It was essential,” Neville said.

When Carragher asked why Havertz could not perform a similar function for Arsenal, Neville delivered his verdict: “I don't think Havertz is as good as Firmino in any way, shape or form.”

Firmino finished his Liverpool career with 111 goals and 76 assists from 362 appearances, helping the club win the Premier League and Champions League among several major honours.

His intelligence dropping into deeper areas created space for Salah and Mane, making him central to Jurgen Klopp's attacking system.

There are similarities with what Arsenal ask of Havertz alongside Bukayo Saka and their other attacking players.

Havertz has registered 38 goals and 18 assists in 114 Arsenal appearances, but managed only seven goals across all competitions last season.

With Arsenal unable to land Julian Alvarez or Vinicius Junior during the summer, Arteta is now relying on Havertz to play another significant role in their title defence.

Havertz now has an opportunity to answer Neville's doubts on the pitch.

Arteta clearly values qualities beyond goals from his centre-forward, and Havertz's early-season selection ahead of Gyokeres demonstrates that trust.

The bigger question is whether his link-up play can have a Firmino-like impact on Arsenal's other attackers while still providing enough goals himself. If Arsenal are to successfully defend their Premier League crown without the marquee forward they pursued during the summer, Havertz's contribution could prove decisive.