TURNER Higher powers help Havertz’s trip to the top
KAI HAVERTZ believes his footballing genius is a gift from God.
When the Bayer Leverkusen star plays at his best that’s easy to understand – and it’s why top clubs across Europe including Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City all want him. Sublime vision, uber-cool finishing and unlimited potential make Havertz, 20, Germany’s poster boy and their great hope at next summer’s Euros. “The technical skills, the ability to read and play an intelligent game – I think it was a gift from God,” said Havertz. “It’s clear, of course, that back when I was very young people said that I have the potential to succeed, that I have the talent to make it work.
“But that’s still 10 to 12 years you have to work hard in order to end up in the Bundesliga or somewhere.”
With genius, of course, comes risk. George Best, Maradona, Paul Gascoigne all eventually imploded under the huge pressure.
But when Havertz’s next employers do their detailed research on the brilliant youngster (right), there will be no red flags as he is as dedicated as they come.
Having sacrificed his youth to make it big, Havertz isn’t about to squander his talent having strived for success since he was 12, moving 65 miles away from home to live at Leverkusen’s academy. “That’s when you realise you have to sacrifice certain things. When you can’t meet friends in the afternoon or go out. “You just came home and want to go to bed and have some peace and quiet. “That started when I was 12, there was no time to fully enjoy my youth. “When you move away your parents will be concerned. But they have always supported me and always been there for me and that’s why it all worked out so well in the end.”