Lothar Matthäus likens Germany’s Kai Havertz to France legend Zinedine Zidane

In an interview with kicker (as captured by Goal), Bayern Munich and Germany legend Lothar Matthäus has lavished praise on Chelsea ace Kai Havertz, comparing him with Real Madrid and France icon Zinedine Zidane.

Havertz, who has now become the youngest goalscorer in the European Championship history, was one of the top performers in his side’s 4-2 thumping of Portugal. His style of play and technique reminds Matthäus of one of football’s all-time greats.

“I compare him to Zinedine Zidane in terms of skills, technique and overview, and anticipating a situation,” says Der Panzer. “Zidane didn’t seem quick, but it was when he hit the ball. Havertz can do that too.”

Germany manager Joachim Löw seems convinced of Havertz’s qualities. Against the reigning champions Portugal, the attacking-midfielder effectively justified his selection over the likes of Timo Werner and Leroy Sané by contributing with a top-notch performance. Nevertheless, Loddar thinks there are certain areas Havertz could look to improve upon.

“He could score more goals and improve himself in the short movements with special training,” remarked Matthäus. “He has a good eye, good ball control, good positional play, fine technique.”

Still only 22-years-old, Havertz looks to have already sealed a starting-XI berth for his club and country, and Matthäus can very well imagine him to become the face of Germany in the coming years.

“Havertz will be one of the fixed points in the national team in the next six or eight years when [Toni] Kroos, [Thomas] Müller and [İlkay] Gündoğan have finished their careers there,” said Matthäus.

Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images

He also offered a piece of advice to the upcoming Bundestrainer Hansi Flick. “If I just look at the talent then the coach would have to say Havertz always plays, even when he is not at his best.”

Flick couldn’t coach the attacking-midfielder at Bayern but one can only imagine what kind of partnership Müller and Havertz will form when the sextuple-winning manager takes over at Germany.

Safe to say, planet Earth won’t be ready at the 2022 World Cup.