While Havertz was making his first strides on the pitch, it was also a crucial time off it.
He's quickly become very important to us." "I've seen him come right through into the first team since I joined the club and his development has been incredible. "He's got great composure and technique, and his decision-making is usually spot on," said former Leverkusen striker Kevin Volland. 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. 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. Watch: Havertz and best friend Julian Brandt - the Deadly Duo Nine months later, he would play for the first team against BVB at the Signal Iduna Park. 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. However, Havertz soon came through those teething problems to help Leverkusen win the German U17 title in 2016. I wasn't starting as many games - spending more time on the bench." There was definitely a bit of a struggle, especially at U15/16 level. I had to get used to my legs being longer - it affects the whole way you play football. "Then I went through a pretty dramatic growth spurt. "At 14 or 15, I was still one of the smallest players in the team," he explained. Up to that point, the left-footed playmaker had overcome every obstacle in his path, but then his body made life hard. Havertz joined Leverkusen in summer 2010 and continued his progression through the ranks. Kai Havertz led his Bayer Leverkusen U17 side past Borussia Dortmund in the German final.
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