Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz (born 11 June 1999) is a German professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or right winger for Bayer Leverkusen and the German national team.

Kai Havertz
Havertz with Bayer Leverkusen in 2018
Personal information
Full name Kai Havertz[1]
Date of birth (1999-06-11) 11 June 1999
Place of birth Aachen, Germany
Height 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)[2]
Playing position(s) Attacking midfielder / Winger
Club information
Current team
 Bayer Leverkusen
Number 29
Youth career
2003–2009 Alemannia Mariadorf
2009–2010 Alemannia Aachen
2010–2017 Bayer Leverkusen
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2016– Bayer Leverkusen 118 (36)
National team‡
2014–2015 Germany U16 6 (2)
2015–2016 Germany U17 16 (7)
2017–2018 Germany U19 8 (7)
2018– Germany 7 (1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 20:53, 27 June 2020 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 20:40, 13 October 2019 (UTC)

Upon making his debut for Leverkusen in 2016, Havertz became the club's then youngest-ever debutant in the Bundesliga, and he became their youngest-ever goalscorer when he scored his first goal the following year. He is also the youngest player to reach the milestones of 50 and 100 league appearances in the German top flight.

Club career

Youth career

Born in Aachen, Germany, Havertz received his first experience in football at the age of four when he joined amateur side Alemannia Mariadorf, where his grandfather, Richard, was chairman of the club.[3] In 2009, he was signed by second division side Alemannia Aachen where he spent only a year in the club's academy before joining Bayer Leverkusen at the age of 11.[4] In the years that followed, he had to overcome the challenges associated with growth spurts and in 2016, after scoring 18 goals for the club's U-17 side, he was awarded the silver U-17 Fritz Walter Medal before breaking into Leverkusen's senior side the following year.[3][5][6]

Bayer Leverkusen

Havertz made his debut for Bayer Leverkusen on 15 October 2016, coming on as a second-half substitute for Charles Aránguiz in a 2–1 Bundesliga loss to Werder Bremen. Upon entering the field of play, he became the club's youngest-ever Bundesliga debutant, at the age of 17 years and 126 days, although his record was broken (by 111 days) by Florian Wirtz in 2020.[4][7][8] On 17 February 2017, he assisted teammate Karim Bellarabi to score the 50,000th Bundesliga goal.[9] Four days later, following the suspension of teammate Hakan Çalhanoğlu, he was handed his first Champions League start in the first leg of a round of 16 loss to Atlético Madrid.[10][11] He was ruled out of the return leg of the fixture in March, however, as the match clashed with the examinations period at his school.[12] He scored his first goal for the club on 2 April, netting a later equalizer in a 3–3 draw with VfL Wolfsburg.[13] Upon doing so, Havertz broke another club record to become Leverkusen's youngest-ever goalscorer in the Bundesliga, at the age of 17.[14] He ultimately made 28 appearances across all competitions and scored four goals, including a brace against Hertha BSC on the final day of the season, as Leverkusen ended the campaign in 12th position.[15]

On 14 April 2018, Havertz became the youngest player in the history of the Bundesliga to reach 50 appearances at 18 years and 307 days old, breaking the record previously held by Timo Werner.[16][17] He went on to end his second full campaign with the club with 30 league appearances and three goals to his name as Leverkusen ended the season in fifth place.[18]

Havertz continued to impress during the following season, despite Leverkusen initially struggling in the league, and by the mid-way point of the campaign was the only player to have started every match for the club, scoring six goals along the way.[19] On 26 January 2019, he became Leverkusen's youngest-ever penalty scorer when he scored from the spot in a 3–0 league win over Wolfsburg, aged 19 years, seven months and 16 days.[20] The following month, he became the second youngest-ever player to achieve 75 Bundesliga appearances, behind Julian Draxler, when he started and scored in a 2–0 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf.[21] On 13 April, he scored on his 100th appearance for Leverkusen to help the club to a 1–0 league win over Stuttgart. The goal, his 13th for the campaign, also saw him become the youngest player since Stuttgart's own Horst Köppel in 1967–68 to score 13 goals in a single league season.[22] On 5 May, he scored his 15th goal of the campaign during a 6–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt; a match which for the first time ever saw seven goals scored in the first half of a Bundesliga match.[23] On the final day of the season, he became the highest scoring teenager in a single Bundesliga campaign when he scored his 17th goal during a 5–1 win over Hertha BSC.[24] At the end of the season, he was named runner-up to Marco Reus for the German Footballer of the Year award, losing out by just 37 votes.[25]

On the opening day of the 2019–20 campaign, Havertz scored in Leverkusen's 3–2 win over Paderborn, becoming the second-youngest player of all time behind Köppel to score 25 Bundesliga goals.[26] In December, at the age of 20 years, six months and four days, he broke another of Werner's records to become the youngest-ever player to reach 100 Bundesliga appearances when he started in his side's 2–0 defeat to Köln.[27]

International career
Havertz (pictured during Germany's 8–0 win over Estonia in June 2019) made his senior debut nine months earlier against Peru.

Youth

Havertz made his debut for the Germany national under-16 team on 11 November 2014, starting in the friendly match against the Czech Republic before being substituted out in the 57th minute for Tom Baack. The match finished as a 3–1 win for Germany.[28]

Havertz was included in Germany's squad for the 2016 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Azerbaijan.[29] He appeared in all five of Germany's matches, scoring once before Germany were eliminated by Spain in the semi-finals.

Following a 15-month absence from youth internationals, Havertz made his debut for Germany's under-19 team, debuting on 31 August 2017 in the 0–0 friendly draw against Switzerland, coming on in the 72nd minute for Palkó Dárdai.[30] On 4 October 2017, in his third appearance for the under-19 team, Havertz scored four goals in a 5–1 win against Belarus in the first round of European Under-19 Championship qualifying.[31] He was later named captain of the under-19 side.[32]

Senior

On 29 August 2018, Havertz was called up to Germany's senior team for the first time by head coach Joachim Löw. He was included in the squad for Germany's UEFA Nations League match against France and friendly against Peru.[32][33] Havertz made his international debut on 9 September 2018, coming on as a substitute in the 88th minute for Timo Werner against Peru, with the match finishing as a 2–1 home win for Germany.[34] Upon making his debut, he became the first player born in 1999 to represent the national team.[35]

Style of play

Havertz has been described as technically gifted, two-footed midfielder who is comfortable with the ball on either foot and adept with his head.[36] During his formative years, his style of play drew early comparisons to compatriot Mesut Özil, with Havertz himself admitting the Arsenal midfielder was a player he looked up to.[37] By the age of 19, and following numerous impressive performances in the Bundesliga, further comparisons had been drawn between Havertz and former Leverkusen players such as Michael Ballack, Toni Kroos and Arturo Vidal, and the German media began describing him as a combination of the lot and an Alleskönner – a player who can do everything.[36]

Career statistics

Club
As of 10 August 2020[38]
Club Season League Cup[lower-alpha 1] Continental Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Bayer Leverkusen 2016–17 Bundesliga 244103[lower-alpha 2]0284
2017–18 30351—354
2018–19 3417206[lower-alpha 3]34220
2019–20 30125210[lower-alpha 4]44518
Totals1183613319715046
Career totals1183613319715046

Notes

  1. Includes DFB-Pokal
  2. Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  3. Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  4. Five appearances in UEFA Champions League, five appearances and four goals in UEFA Europa League

International
As of 13 October 2019[39]
Germany
YearAppsGoals
201820
201951
Total71

International goals
Scores and results list Germany's goal tally first.
#DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
19 October 2019Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany Argentina2–02–2Friendly

Honours

Individual

Medals

Other

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References
  1. "Kai Havertz". Bundesliga. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  2. https://www.bayer04.de/de-de/player/werkself/bayer-04-leverkusen/kai-havertz
  3. "Kai Havertz's journey: From Grandad's guidance to becoming Germany's next great star". Bundesliga. 27 April 2020. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  4. Röber, Philip (4 February 2017). "UEFA.com's weekly wonderkid: Kai Havertz". UEFA. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  5. "Bravertz: Julian Brandt and Kai Havertz forming Bayer Leverkusen's German midfield core". Bundesliga. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  6. McGuiness, Kev (25 January 2017). "Bayer Leverkusen's overlooked youth prospects". Vavel. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  7. "Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen". Soccerway. 15 October 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  8. "Florian Wirtz replaces Kai Havertz as Bayer Leverkusen's youngest ever player". Bundesliga. 18 May 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  9. "European Golden Boys XI: Dembele and Havertz continue to shine brightly". Bleacher Report. 21 February 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  10. "Bayer Leverkusen vs. Atlético Madrid lineups: Bayer hand teenager Havertz first Champions League start". SBNation. Jack Sargeant. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  11. Molinaro, John (14 March 2017). "Person of Interest: German wunderkind Kai Havertz one to watch". Sports Net. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  12. Wright, Chris (14 March 2017). "Bayer Leverkusen starlet ruled out for school exam". ESPN. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  13. Fahey, Ciaran (2 April 2017). "Gomez hat trick but Wolfsburg held 3–3 at Leverkusen". New Jersey Herald. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  14. Gladwell, Ben (2 April 2017). "Rising Star: Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz". Bundesliga. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  15. Mende, Jens; Krṻhler, Andreas (20 May 2017). "Hertha trotz 2:6 gegen Bayer kurz vor Europa". Dewezet. Retrieved 20 May 2017.(in German)
  16. "Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz becomes youngest player in history to reach 50 appearances". Bundesliga. Deutsche Fußball Liga. 14 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  17. "Bayer Leverkusen : record de précocité pour Kai Havertz" (in French). LEquipe. 14 April 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  18. "Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz: "I should be aiming for the Germany national team"". Bundesliga. 24 August 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
  19. "Bayer Leverkusen up to 9th after Kai Havertz-inspired win over Hertha Berlin". Bundesliga. 24 December 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
  20. "Kai Havertz, Kevin Volland and Julian Brandt fire Bayer Leverkusen past Wolfsburg". Bundesliga. 27 January 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  21. "Kai Havertz and Leon Bailey fire Bayer Leverkusen to victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf". Bundesliga. 17 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  22. "Kai Havertz scores on 100th appearance as Bayer Leverkusen down VfB Stuttgart". Bundesliga. 13 April 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2019.
  23. "Kai Havertz on target again as Bayer Leverkusen smash six past Eintracht Frankfurt in record-breaking game". Bundesliga. 5 May 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  24. "Kai Havertz, Lucas Alario and Julian Brandt secure Champions League spot for Bayer Leverkusen". Bundesliga. 18 May 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
  25. "Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus named Germany's Footballer of the Year 2019". Bundesliga. 29 July 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
  26. "Kai Havertz makes history as Bayer Leverkusen overcome new boys Paderborn". Bundesliga. 18 August 2019. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
  27. "Kai Havertz: 100 Bundesliga appearances for Bayer Leverkusen at 20". Bundesliga. 15 December 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
  28. "U 16 Länderspiel: Tschechische Republik – Deutschland" [Under-16 international: Czech Republic – Germany]. DFB.de (in German). German Football Association. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  29. "U 17-EM: Unser Team für Aserbaidschan" [European Under-17 Championship: Our team for Azerbaijan]. DFB.de (in German). German Football Association. 4 May 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  30. "U 19 Länderspiel: Schweiz – Deutschland" [Under-19 international: Switzerland – Germany]. DFB.de (in German). German Football Association. 31 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  31. "U 19 EM Qualifikation: Deutschland – Weißrussland" [Under-19 Euro qualification: Germany – Belarus]. DFB.de (in German). German Football Association. 4 October 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  32. "Kai Havertz receives maiden Germany call-up for UEFA Nations League opener with France". Bundesliga. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  33. "Nations League: Drei Neue, drei Rückkehrer" [Nations League: Three new players, three returnees]. DFB.de (in German). German Football Association. 29 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  34. "Erstes Spiel, erstes Tor: Debütant Schulz trifft zum Sieg" [First match, first goal: debutant Schulz scores for victory]. kicker.de (in German). kicker-sportmagazin. 9 September 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  35. "Scout Report: Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz". UEFA. 20 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  36. "Kai Havertz becoming the real deal at Bayer Leverkusen". Bundesliga. 15 October 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  37. Wallrodt, Lars (21 February 2017). "Dieser 17-Jährige gilt als Deutschlands neuer Özil". Welt. Retrieved 6 April 2017.(in German)
  38. "Kai Havertz Socceway Profile". Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  39. Kai Havertz at National-Football-Teams.com
  40. "Fritz-Walter-Medaille für Ehegötz, Henrichs und Itter" [Fritz Walter Medal for Ehegötz, Henrichs and Itter]. DFB.de (in German). German Football Association. 8 August 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  41. "Fritz-Walter-Medaille in Gold an Havertz, Katterbach und Pawollek" [Fritz Walter medal in gold for Havertz, Katterbach and Pawollek]. DFB.de (in German). German Football Association. 24 July 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  42. "This is the Team of the season 2018/19". bundesliga.com. 27 May 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2019.
  43. "Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz wins Bundesliga Player of the Month for May!". Bundesliga. May 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  44. "Kai Havertz voted Bundesliga Player of the Month for May". BuliNews.com. 16 June 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  45. "Champions League breakthrough team of 2019". UEFA.com. UEFA.com Reporters & Editors. 30 December 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
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