Kai Havertz had some kind words to say about Chelsea-linked centre-forward Harry Kane in an interview with Sport1.
Havertz and Kane are set to battle tomorrow evening, as England and Germany face off in the European Championship round of 16.
The two have played each other once previously at club level, during a 0-0 draw between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur last season.
Although currently rivals domestically as well as internationally, in an alternate universe, they might be calling each other teammates.
According to Goal, Kane remains a ‘primary target’ for Chelsea in this summer window, alongside Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund.
Havertz an admirer of Harry
Ahead of their nation’s clash tomorrow, Havertz gifted the Tottenham talisman plenty of praise, in particular his efficiency in front of goal.
“He is a top striker who is not a classic and not a wrong number nine,” said the talented German.
“He’s something in between. He picks up the balls from behind, plays deadly passes to the front and is brutally good in the box.
“He has a great shot on goal and a good eye for the spaces. He’s difficult to grab for a central defender because he runs deep, comes short and can shoot.
“It is not for nothing that he has scored and prepared the most goals in the Premier League this season.”
Kane the teacher, Kai the pupil
Kane is a fine example for young, attacking minded players like Havertz to base their game off.
He has refined his skills to make him a scorer and assister for Spurs, a combination that should seriously scare opposition defences.
His role is slightly more traditional for England, such is the wealth of creative influences already around him.
But if given the opportunity, Kane can still drop deep for Gareth Southgate’s side and try dictate the play.
It is something Havertz showed glimpses of during his debut Chelsea campaign.
Thomas Tuchel used him as a ‘false nine’, allowing him the license to run in behind or come short to receive the ball.
Having him and Kane potentially in the same dressing room could be quite something.