Havertz: Atletico Madrid are solid in defence, they're a big club Atletico Madrid Spoke to MARCA ahead of facing Simeone's side

Kai Havertz has feels that the defensive solidity Atletico Madrid have, coupled with their attacking style of play help make them one of the world's biggest clubs.

The promising youngster will face Atletico Madrid on Wednesday as Bayer Leverkusen host Diego Simeone's side in the Champions League.

Havertz, who is constantly linked to some of Europe's top clubs, sat down with MARCA to discuss Atletico, LaLiga Santander, Bayern Munich and much more.

Why is it so difficult to beat Atletico?

They're one of the best teams in the world, with lots of experience and they have a successful coach. We're still very young.

From what you've seen, do you consider them a defensive team?

They were against us in Madrid. We have lots of the ball and we played well, but yes, I think Atletico are generally associated with a defensive style, solid at the back and dangerous counter attacks. With Joao Felix they've strengthened a bit on the ball. I admire El Cholo's work and trophies. That's why they're a really big club.

What can be different from the first game in Madrid?

We're playing at home and our own fans give us a bit of a boost. Now we know, after the first game, how they play. I think we did quite well at the Wanda Metropolitano. We have a big chance to get something out of this game.

You lost to the same opponents in 2017. You had school exams that day...

I was terrible [laughs]. I was still going to school, I spoke with the coach and he told me, 'stay at home, do your exam. There are more important things than the match.' I wanted to play. Then I had the chance to play the return match here, at home.

What is success for you in football?

The team is always the priority, success is collective. Then, the individual [trophies] come when you play well. I want to win the biggest trophies during in my career: Champions League, World Cup or Euros. I don't think much about the individual [trophies].

Are you one of those 'strange' players that prefers assisting rather than scoring?

I'm at a point where I don't care if I give an assist, score a goal or make a key pass. Right now, I have a role at Bayer to try to make the final pass, and not only be a goal-scorer. But I would say that I'm a dangerous player... and that I like to score goals.

You scored 17 goals in the Bundesliga last season. Can you beat that?

People expect me to, but it's difficult because opponents now know a bit about you. I want to show that it wasn't a coincidence. If I score fewer goals this season, but I have a positive influence on the team, I will also be happy.

What is your ideal position?

I would say the No.8 position, inside right. I'm not a classic No.10, but I like to have the ball at my feet, simply enjoying myself on the pitch. I've played in many other positions, but I prefer to play in the centre, where I have more of the ball. My dream will always be to wear the No.10 one day at my club.

You've been compared with Zinedine Zidane, Kaka and Mesut Ozil. What do you think about that?

There are many players that inspired me like Kaka, Zidane, Ronaldinho... They've always been my idols. Between the Spanish players, my favourite is Andres Iniesta. He's outstanding on the ball. Unique. I like him the most.

Do you follow LaLiga Santander?

Sometimes. Toni Kroos is a great player, I model myself on him a lot. His journey has been great. I have a lot of respect for him. His passing ability and his combination play is on another level. In [Germany] training, every pass from him is perfect. It doesn't matter how they give it to him.

Do you watch much football?

I don't watch football. No. I only like important matches, the final or the semi-finals of the Champions League... but apart from that, I don't know anything about football [laughs].

You're a young player, Germany and good... you'll end up signing for Bayern Munich. Is it the dream?

They're probably the biggest club in Germany and there are many players that were very successful at a young age that went there. Therefore, I get linked with Bayern, but we'll see what happens. There are players that want to stay close to their family and others say, 'I want to live in another country'. There's something clear: if you want to be a star in Germany, you can't go wrong with Bayern.

Are you prepared to go abroad, to Spain or England?

I think I've picked up enough international experience at Leverkusen. I know the rhythm of these international matches and I'm confident that I can go abroad at any moment and play at clubs outside of Germany. For the moment, I want to have a good season. Afterwards, we'll see.

Your style suits Barcelona a lot...

Yes, because Barcelona have a lot of the ball, but there are lots of teams that do that these days, not only Barcelona. Real Madrid, for example, are a team that have a lot of possession, although they've been a bit less efficient than Barcelona in recent years.

What does Toni Kroos say to you?

That the weather is always good in Madrid [laughs].