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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
Kai Havertz is no stranger to Liverpool fans with Bild linking him to the Reds throughout the summer, and he is one to watch as Bayer Leverkusen take on Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday.
He became the youngest player in Bundesliga history to reach 50 games, and since making his debut for Leverkusen is has gone on to score 30 and assist 22 in 110 appearances, leading to a reported asking price of €100m.
This season he has started reasonably well, and because of his previous form it is easy to forget he is so young, but the fixture against Lokomotiv Moscow could allow him the chance to shine.
Leverkusen will likely look to dominate possession as they have done in the league so far, averaging 58% possession, and that should provide Havertz with the chance to get ahold of the ball in useful positions, and his effectiveness in the final third could be crucial to a home win.
The midfielder’s pass accuracy shows he doesn’t waste much, and a success rate of 85%, as per WhoScored, is impressive for a player who often looks for that killer pass.
That aspect of his game is what he could add to Liverpool, as their current central midfielders lack the ability to cut open the defence, or go for goal themselves, as evidenced by their goal and assist record last season.
By contrast, the German struck 20 times in the last campaign, and will be looking to add to his single goal this term against the Russians, though his average of 1.8 key passes per game also means that he may claim his first assist.
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Due to his asking price and what he has shown so far, there may be pressure on Havertz to perform, but if he sticks to his natural game he should do well.
Along with his passing, he also has an eye for goal and generally keeps the ball well when in possession, whether passing or running with the ball. He has averaged two successful dribbles per game so far and that ability to take defenders on makes him unpredictable, which is suitable not only for the Champions League, but for Liverpool too.
