Kai Havertz scored twice in Germany's opening World Cup win over Curaçao, and Thomas Müller did not sound like someone interested in a debate. He called Havertz “an anchor player” and said he should play every single minute as Germany's No 9. That is a strong public backing after one game, even if it is still only one game.
Why Müller has pushed Havertz to the front
Müller’s quote was unusually direct. “Kai Havertz is an anchor player for this team. He is clearly set as the No 9, and if possible, he should play every single minute,” he said. He added that Havertz becomes even more crucial against bigger teams, and that if he cannot run anymore, Germany can turn to Deniz Undav or other options.
That is probably the most honest way to frame the No 9 issue. Havertz did not solve every problem on his own, because Germany’s first game came against limited opposition and Undav came off the bench to score and assist. But Havertz still led the line, played the full 94 minutes and finished with an 8.2 rating. Those are the kind of numbers that make a manager listen.
Why the opener changed the mood
Julian Nagelsmann said Germany played with the right intensity and that the convincing win would give the team confidence. He was not overselling it. “That confidence was always there, but it has grown,” he said. After a 7-1 start, that is the sensible reading, not the glamorous one.
Havertz’s two goals also put him level at the top of the World Cup golden boot standings with two. Folarin Balogun is there with him, which is another reason to keep the conversation grounded. Germany have a forward who has started the tournament well and a coach publicly backing the team’s intensity. They do not have a solved striker debate yet, but they do have the clearest candidate so far.
Havertz’s record for Germany, 24 goals in 59 games, gives the case a bit more weight too. He is not being pushed into the role out of nowhere. The next test is whether he keeps this level when the games tighten up, because Germany's opener can only answer so much. For now, though, the first match has moved Havertz to the front of the line.
FAQ
Is Kai Havertz Germany's best option at No 9 right now?
The evidence points strongly in Havertz's direction, but it is still an early case rather than a final verdict. He scored twice in Germany's opening World Cup win over Curaçao, played the full 94 minutes, and Thomas Müller said he is an anchor player who should play every single minute as the No 9. Deniz Undav also offers a live alternative.
Why is Thomas Müller backing Kai Havertz so strongly?
Müller called Havertz an anchor player and said he should play every single minute as Germany's No 9. He also said Havertz becomes even more crucial against big teams. That endorsement matters because Germany's opener was a 7-1 win and Havertz led the line while scoring twice.
Who is leading the World Cup golden boot race after Germany's opener?
Havertz is tied at the top of the World Cup golden boot standings with two goals. He shares that early lead with Folarin Balogun, so Germany already have a player right in the scoring race after the first round of games.
Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →