Benedikt Howedes

Benedikt Howedes Biography

Benedikt "Benni" Höwedes is a professional footballer who plays for the German national team. Born on the 29th of February, 1988, Benni plays as a defender and is currently serving the Italian club Juventus.

Background

Höwedes’ football career began with TuS Haltern in 1994. After showing considerable progress, he was transferred to the Schalke 04 academy in 2001. He was awarded the captaincy of the club in 2003.

Benni rose to prominence in 2006 when he led the junior Schalke team to the Under 19 Bundesliga title in 2006. He was awarded the Fritz Walter Medal for the 2006-07 season for becoming the best young player.

Debut

Howedes made his international debut on the 29th of May, 2011, featuring in a friendly against Uruguay. Germany won the match by beating Uruguay 2-1. On the 7th of June 2011, Howedes played his first official match against Azerbaijan in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers. Germany won the match 3–1, with Howedes setting up the first goal.

Rise to Glory

Howedes is considered to be a versatile player. He can play almost all the positions in defence. His ability to give nothing away during one-on-one situations is widely appreciated.

Additionally, Höwedes is also known for his well-timed sliding tackles and standing tackles, as well as his good first-time passing, and great physical strength.

He was only one of the three German players who played every minute of all seven games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Low Points

Howedes career has been marred with injuries. He consistently fails to feature in more than 30 Bundesliga games in one season. His injuries have affected his on-field performance and have received low ratings due to that.

Howedes is currently on a loan to Juventus on a one-year deal for €3.5 million plus €3 million variables, with an option to buy for €13M.