The last time Leverkusen travelled to the Spanish city, they were thrashed , with Lionel Messi getting a five goal haul. The Bundesliga outfit are more optimistic this time around, though. Messi is out injured, and Leverkusen have a budding superstar in their own ranks.
Free-kick specialist Hakan Calhanoglu has been linked with almost all of Europe's top clubs, so does the youngster have what it takes to shock Barcelona? Hakan Calhanoglu has attracted interest from a top clubs and will be keen to impress against Barcelona. Who is Hakan Calhanoglu? One of the rising stars of the Bundesliga. The year-old Leverkusen midfielder has made a name for himself as one of Germany's top free kick specialists, able to flummox even the likes of Manuel Neuer with his vicious, dipping dead ball strikes from long range.
He largely plays behind the number ten in attacking midfield, though he can also be employed out wide. Calhanoglu has made a name for himself as a free-kick specialist and is a rising star in the Bundesliga. Where did he come from? Born in Mannheim, Germany, Calhanoglu chose to represent Turkey at international level.
He burst into the public eye in a game against Dortmund, where he smashed in a free-kick from 41 yards out, leaving Roman Weidenfeller red-faced. Calhanoglu celebrates after scoring a free-kick for Hamburg from 41 yards out against Dortmund in What has he achieved since? Calhanoglu was a crucial figure in saving Hamburg from relegation in , but that summer he forced a move to Bayer Leverkusen. With Leverkusen, he was suddenly playing at the top level, and his football continued to improve.
He has now scored 11 direct free kicks in his 72 Bundesliga appearances. Is he able to topple Barcelona? Calhanoglu has bitter memories of both Spain and the Champions League, having been one of the Leverkusen players to miss a penalty in Bayer's shootout defeat to Atletico Madrid last year.
