Kai Havertz is about to explode
Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Kai Havertz has quickly become a household name within the Bundesliga.
The 19-year-old's vast potential, however, is making him more recognizable to even the most casual of fans globally. Havertz has been an enigma for Die Werkself and has been one of the few players, who as performed consistently well throughout the season in what has been a roller coaster ride for Leverkusen.
With 12 goals and six assists across 29 games in all competitions this season, Havertz is producing at a rate that matches his vast potential and has made him one of the league's key players to watch.
It's no secret that Leverkusen under-performed for former coach Heiko Herrlich in the Hinrunde. The team entered the season as one of the hot clubs to watch because of the young, pacey, and skilled core of players on the roster including Havertz, Julian Brandt, Leon Bailey, and Jonathan Tah among others.
Things did not go to plan, however, as some of those aforementioned players scuffled to find any type of consistency, while others seemed to wilt under the pressure of now being considered one of the contenders in the league. Despite all of that, Havertz continued to show his quality with his stellar performances on the pitch. Havertz's on-field play rightfully has earned him many accolades, including a great compliment from his former coach. Herrlich, who was displaced as Leverkusen coach in December, expects huge things from Havertz and even compared him to a German legend.
"The biggest talent since Toni Kroos," Herrlich said to UEFA.com.
With great vision and the ability to both dribble and pass to create offense, Havertz is a dynamic attacking midfielder who is rising at a time where both his club and country need him to begin to start taking on a larger role. In addition, Havertz has not yet fully grown into his 6-foot-2 frame, but is physically strong at 183 pounds. That strength should increase even more as he continues to develop.
Havertz's status with Leverkusen has seemingly become more important by the week and the youngster has thrived with it as he has accepted the pressure and performed under it. As he gains experience playing in Germany's top-tier, Havertz is only looking more and more dangerous with his pace and a great ability to finish.
"What he brings to the pitch in terms of playmaking, technique and mentality is tremendous. He's so talented and has everything to become a star," said Brandt to UEFA.com.
The scary part about Havertz is not only how extremely effective he's been on the pitch, but also how he has the capability to expand and grow his game even further. Make no mistake, Havertz represents a key piece to the future of German soccer for both club and country.
That distinction, plus his overall excellent play, has drawn the attention of the Bavarian Giants, Bayern Munich, and Premier League power Arsenal, who could be looking for a long-term replacement for Mesut Ozil. Always on the prowl to secure top domestic talent, Bayern is expected to at least make a run at procuring Havertz either this summer or next, but it will be extremely hard to pry the starlet from the hands of Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller and company.
"That a once-in-a-century talent like him will at some point have other ambitions is normal. He's interesting for a lot of top clubs, but his contract situation is comfortable for us," said Völler to UEFA.com in reference to the attention that Havertz is drawing on the transfer market and also about Leverkusen maintaining the rights to Havertz until June, 30 2022.
Whatever happens off the pitch likely won't matter as Havertz will continue to blossom no matter where he plays in his prime. The thought of Havertz being surrounded by world-class talent however, does make you start to ponder just how fun, creative, and dominant he could become when he hits his prime.
The only question that remains is whether or not Leverkusen can develop its youthful core to get to that point or if Havertz will need to move on to be surrounded by a squad full of equally talented and opportunistic players.
