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KAI HAVERTZ: STAR IN THE MAKING

by Insight.ng Content Partners July 26, 2023

by Insight.ng Content Partners

iLOT Bet offers a wide range of payment options for deposits and withdrawals, accommodating various preferences and ensuring smooth transactions for customers. Enjoy instant bonuses when you fund your iLOT Bet wallet using the Opay App. From a small German village to the bright lights of the BayArena and the Champions League: we chart the Germany international’s journey to stardom.

Havertz joined his first club, Alemannia Mariadorf, aged just four. Scouts had been watching Havertz play for several years, but a performance against Leverkusen made one talent spotter want a second look. Havertz joined Leverkusen in Summer 2010 and continued his progression through the ranks. Up to that point, the left-footed playmaker had overcome every obstacle in his path, but then his body made life hard. However, Havertz soon came through those teething problems to help Leverkusen win the German U17 title in 2016. The teenager scored 18 goals in 26 games – including the opener in the 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the final – to lead his team to glory. Nine months later, he would play for the first team against BVB at the Signal Iduna Park. That was one of 24 Bundesliga appearances Havertz made for Leverkusen in his debut season at senior level – as well as three in the UEFA Champions League – having become the club’s youngest-ever debutant against Werder Bremen in October 2016. Four goals and six assists in the Bundesliga made a lasting impression on the league, and his teammates could see they were in the company of a rare talent. At the age of just 19, the Germany international netted an eye-catching 17 league goals in 2018/19, starring in his team’s late charge for a top-four finish.

In doing so, he became the youngest player to reach 30 Bundesliga goals – and the records continued to tumble in 2019/20. In December 2019 against Cologne, Havertz became the youngest player to make 100 Bundesliga appearances – at just 20 years, six months and four days old.

He showcased his flexibility too, impressing in a more central attacking role in the second half of the campaign to end with 12 league goals and a DFB Cup runners-up medal. Along the way, in May 2020, Havertz fired Leverkusen past Freiburg to become the first player in league history to reach 35 goals scored before turning 21.

The Germany international turned 21 a month later, and did so as a true leader for Leverkusen – having already worn the captain’s armband and taken further responsibility as a penalty taker. In the blink of an eye, he had gone from an exciting young prospect to one of the best players in Europe. After switching to Chelsea in September 2020, Havertz was largely employed out of position as a centre forward. Nevertherless, alongside fellow ex-Bundesliga star Christian Pulisic, he conquered the Champions League – and scored the winning goal to do so – when the Blues beat Manchester City in the final on 29 May 2021.

Havertz switched London clubs in Summer 2023, moving across the English capital to join Arsenal. Security is paramount in the world of online betting, and iLOT Bet takes it seriously. Register on www.ilotbet.com and feel secure as you navigate the number one Sports Betting and Lottery platform in Nigeria.