Who is Luca Netz? The record-breaking teenager on Bayern Munich’s radar

Updated: 20 May 2021 11:26 BST
3 min read

Who is Luca Netz? The record-breaking teenager on Bayern Munich’s radar — © ProShots

Luca Netz is a 17-year-old defender taking the Bundesliga by storm with Hertha Berlin. The youngster has become a part of the senior set up in the German capital, and is influential enough that a recent injury was seen as a blow despite his age.

Hertha look set for a relegation playoff in Germany, and they’ll need Netz fit and ready to play. But in the long-term, it feels unlikely that he will remain at the club.

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Here is the lowdown on the sensational teenager.

What position does Luca Netz play in?

Netz plays as a left-back.

How good is Luca Netz?

Netz has been aided by an impressive stature and physicality throughout his development. He made his debut for Hertha’s under-17s at the age of just 14, before going on to play for the under-19s at 16. His coaches have always known he could go on to big things well ahead of schedule.

He claimed third prize in the award for the best German footballers under the age of 17, behind Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, who is expected to follow in the footsteps of Kai Havertz, and Bayern Munich’s Torben Rhein.

Netz has been noted for his passing ability and dribbling ablilities.

He has not looked deterred by playing at the highest level, in a team that has been struggling badly this season. But perhaps most eye-catching, and arguably surprising, is the fact that he became Hertha’s youngest ever goalscorer with a goal against Stuttgart, showcasing his ability to impact games going forward.

DFB junior coach Christian Wuck previously said of Netz:

“His exceptional left foot and his speed are among Luca’s greatest strengths. The combination of these two qualities makes him so valuable.

“I am also impressed by his assertiveness. Once he starts dribbling with the ball at his feet, he is difficult to stop.”

What clubs are interested in Luca Netz?

Bayern Munich seem to have a monopoly on the best German talent so it is far from surprising to see them on a list of potential suitors. Were he to move to the Allianz Arena, though, he may find it difficult to usurp the impressive Alphonso Davies, who himself is a young man.

Borussia Dortmund are also believed to be in the running to sign Netz.

It does seem as though he will stay in Germany, and at just 17 there is always the possibility he could remain with Hertha to aid his development, relegation or not.

When does Luca Netz’s contract expire?

Netz’s contract is up in the summer, which explains why the top clubs are beginning to circle. It had been reported that he could turn down interest from elsewhere and sign a new deal.