After a remarkable breakthrough season last campaign, scoring and incredible 20 goals and laying on 7 assists in all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen, the German talisman and attacking midfielder Kai Havertz is so far failing to match those heights in this current campaign.
The German international is currently becoming the fall guy for Bayer Leverkusen’s loss of form in recent weeks. 3 defeats on the bounce, leaving them 7th in the Bundesliga standings, 5 points behind Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League places, Peter Bosz’ young side are suffering from an inconsistent season.
Before the defeat to Hertha Berlin last week, sections of the BayArena crowd were loudly jeering the 20-year-old midfielder with a handful of the crowd shouting insults across the pitch as well as questioning why the attacking midfielder is still playing for the club. The torrid abuse lasted the whole game, and reached its crescendo when Havertz was pulled off after a disappointing showing 18 minutes before the end.
By the superlative hallmarks of Havertz’s previous campaign, in which he emerged as one of the hottest properties in European football, his output this season has been underwhelming. With only more game before the mid-season break, Havertz has only recorded three goals, laying on the one assist. Those numbers are only recorded up until September, since then the player hasn’t followed up on those numbers
Not only has his goal output dropped but some of his in-game statistics have dropped considerably too. While he has made more key passes per game this season in comparison to last – 2.2 key passes in the Bundesliga this season, and 1 per game last – he’s been dispossessed more times this season (2.5) than last year (2) {WhoScored}.* Whether that’s down to dwelling too long on the ball, or players around not providing him with the runs in to space for him to pass into, it has led to his drop in final third contributions. Also, Kai Havertz is well known for his elegant first touches and fantastic composure when in tight spaces, he has surprisingly recorded more bad controls per game this term (3.5) whereas he only recorded around 2 per game {WhoScored}.*
It’s difficult to find the reasons as to why Kai Havertz is enduring such a difficult spell. It’s also important to note that the German midfielder is still only 20 years old. Peter Bosz and Joachim Low still see him as a vital component in their respective squads. Despite his drop in form, there is no doubting Kai Havertz’ extraordinary abilities, one that allows him to expertly control games at his own tempo as he has done quite brilliantly over the past year. His versatility is very useful too. Not only can he play as the teams creative force in the No.10 position, but he can also fulfil duties as a roaming no.8, or a deep-lying no.6. No wonder he is one of the most coveted players in the Europe.
There could be many contributing factors to Havertz’ loss of form, however. In the summer, the player was told he could not leave the club. Chelsea, who were still under a transfer ban, and Manchester United had reportedly been in touch for his signature. Leverkusen, boldly pronounced that they still required his services to embark on an onslaught for their first Bundesliga trophy their first triumph. A bold statement designed to push their players out of their comfort zones.
Havertz was the man to lead that assualt against Bayern, Dortmund and Leipzig, three sides who finished ahead of them in May. It’s that sort of unwanted pressure that has probably led to Havertz’ struggles so far this campaign. Or maybe, the player has resigned himself to no longer wanting to play for the club, probably feeling frustrated that the club cannot match his lofty ambitions to challenge for the top honours. It’s plausible to argue that due to their fantastic finish last season, securing a place in this seasons Champions League could have been the deciding factor in him rejecting greener pastures.
Leverkusen, during the summer valued their hitman at close to £100million. That market price could plummet if Havertz doesn’t rekindle his spark before long. The club suspect that their most prized asset has been distracted by all the transfer talk.
Havertz has appeared overburdened with the task of becoming the teams most creative linchpin, a role he effortlessly shared with close friend and fellow compatriot Julian Brandt who joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer, and is excelling there too. New arrivals Kerem Demirbay and Nadiem Amiri (both signed from TSG Hoffenheim) – wonderfully gifted players in their own right – have failed to provide the sort of impact Julian Brandt conjured up so regularly for Leverkusen. Havertz no longer holds that trusted reference point in the final third. Often looking a little lost attempting through balls and intricate one-twos that don’t come off due to a lack of understanding with his team-mates.
Part of Leverkusen’s problems aren’t all down to Havertz though, not only has he become a victim of the high expectations after last years success but Peter Bosz and the club as a whole seem to be buckling under it too. Also, their defending hasn’t been up to standard and there are increasing signs that Bosz is losing his grip on the squad, the former Ajax coach has been a popular figure since his appointment in January but his high demanding approach is evidently taking its toll on the team.
The season is shaping up to be a disappointment on many parts for Leverkusen, who as well as being 7th currently, are out of the Champions League too. The board’s increasing nervousness is only heightened by Havertz’s current plight. There is no doubt that the player will move in future, but his recent performances could halt Leverkusen economically, finding it difficult to demand a high figure when looking to move him on.
What the player will have to consider is, whether clubs who have been circling for his signature in the past will still remain in the hunt come May next year. His current form could see him lose his place in the Germany squad for the Euros next summer too.
Kai Havertz’s fledgling future could all hinge on these next six months. He certainly holds all the cards to turn his form around.
* https://www.whoscored.com/Players/326413/History/Kai-Havertz
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