Bayer Leverkusen might have sold Kai Havertz to Chelsea during the summer, but they were quick to find a replacement for the German in the form of Florian Wirtz.
The German club were staring at the possibility of suffering in terms of results through the €80 million sale of star man Kai Havertz to Chelsea last summer, yet they have managed to thrive in his absence, sitting at the top of the Bundesliga after 11 games, and also progressing to the Round of 32 in the UEFA Europa League.
One of the key reasons could possibly be because of their success in replacing Havertz with another very talented youngster in the form of Florian Wirtz.
The 17-year-old has impressed massively ever since he made his debut for the club on May 2020, but he has really shined ever since Havertz left the club, allowing him to start as a central attacking midfielder on countless occasions so far this season.
In fact, Wirtz has managed four goals and five assists in 16 appearances in all competitions this season, a remarkable return considering his very young age.
It is in the Bundesliga where he has thrived the most, managing 2.3 key passes and 2.1 dribbles per game, which is slightly better than Havertz's 2 key passes and 1.9 dribbles per game that he averaged during his final season at Bayer Leverkusen, according to stats provided by WhoScored.
Whilst Wirtz still has plenty to improve on, particularly when it comes to goal-scoring, as he got his first Bundesliga goal of the season last weekend against Hoffenheim, there are clear signs of his potential and maturity.
It is this potential and consistency as a very young player that has reportedly earned him a new contract at Leverkusen, as he will sign a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2025.
Leverkusen's focus on the future is further highlighted through other business that they are set to complete over the season, with the likes of Moussa Diaby and Edmond Tapsoba, two very young and important players for the club, being ready to sign new contract extensions.
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