TV-Series
Description
Hermann Kaltz is a German soccer player who appears as a key member of the West Germany national youth team during the Junior Youth Arc. Physically, he is described as a small and young player who possesses an older or more mature-looking face, a trait sometimes referred to as a geezer face. His most iconic physical trait is a toothpick that he constantly keeps in his mouth, rarely removing it except when the situation on the field becomes truly serious. His jersey number for the German national youth selection is typically 8, while he wears number 5 for his club team, Hamburger SV.
Kaltz’s personality is defined by a notable contrast between his usual demeanor and his conduct in critical moments. He can often appear lazy or uninvolved, sometimes standing around doing little during matches when he feels his team is at ease. However, this perceived laziness is deceptive, as he is an extremely tricky and calculating player. In high-stakes situations, he transforms into a tireless and aggressive competitor known for his intense work rate. This dual nature has earned him nicknames such as the Workman or the Schemer. He is a passionate defender who harasses opponents without mercy to win the ball, occasionally resorting to unexpected plays. The act of spitting out his toothpick is a clear visual cue that he has abandoned his laid-back attitude and is now fully focused and dangerous.
Motivationally, Kaltz is driven by a strong sense of pride and a competitive spirit. He is not content to simply watch from the sidelines, as shown when the Hamburg junior team initially lets Japan attack only for Kaltz to become the first player to move seriously in response to audience jeers, as he could not bear the situation any longer. He is deeply committed to the success of his team and values honor on the pitch. When his team's honor is wounded by a determined Japanese side, he becomes more serious and unpredictable. While he respects his teammates, he can be provoked, as demonstrated when he lost his composure and received a red card after being told his style of play was boring.
In the story, Kaltz plays a crucial role as a defensive midfielder for the formidable West Germany team. He first appears as a member of Hamburger SV's youth team alongside stars Karl Heinz Schneider and goalkeeper Genzo Wakabayashi, forming a squad that was the number one team in West Germany. During the international junior youth tournament, he is a pivotal figure in Germany's midfield, often dominating games in partnership with Franz Schester. In the final against Japan, his cunning and work rate become central to Germany’s attacks, and he is shown performing a deceptive pass meant for one player that is actually intended for another, showcasing his tactical mind.
His key relationships are primarily with his two famous teammates from Hamburg. He is a close friend to both Karl Heinz Schneider and Genzo Wakabayashi. Their time together at Hamburg forged a strong bond and a deep understanding on the field, as demonstrated when Schneider tells Kaltz exactly where to shoot to injure the opposing goalkeeper's hand. His relationship with Schneider is particularly complex, moving beyond mere friendship to a deep professional respect. While he is initially angered by Schneider’s criticism, he later apologizes, acknowledging Schneider as a true ace.
Kaltz shows significant development in his attitude towards the game. Early on, he is shown coasting on his team's superior talent, such as when he stands around doing nothing in a semifinal match because he feels at ease. However, when faced with a resilient Japanese team that refuses to be dominated, he evolves into a more serious and committed player. His development culminates in moments of humility, where he is willing to admit his mistakes and acknowledge the superiority of a rival, marking a maturation from a casually talented player into a more disciplined and respectful competitor.
Notable abilities include his exceptional tactical intelligence and versatility. He is a player who can single-handedly switch from defense to attack. One of his signature techniques is the Hedgehog Dribble, which he uses to blow past defenders. He is also capable of performing a Loop Shot, a lob aimed to go over the goalkeeper's head. Beyond specific techniques, his greatest asset is his unpredictability; even his own teammates sometimes do not know what he will do next when he is in a serious state. He is described as a passionate craftsman of defense who harasses rivals without rest and fearlessly confronts even the most powerful opponents.
Kaltz’s personality is defined by a notable contrast between his usual demeanor and his conduct in critical moments. He can often appear lazy or uninvolved, sometimes standing around doing little during matches when he feels his team is at ease. However, this perceived laziness is deceptive, as he is an extremely tricky and calculating player. In high-stakes situations, he transforms into a tireless and aggressive competitor known for his intense work rate. This dual nature has earned him nicknames such as the Workman or the Schemer. He is a passionate defender who harasses opponents without mercy to win the ball, occasionally resorting to unexpected plays. The act of spitting out his toothpick is a clear visual cue that he has abandoned his laid-back attitude and is now fully focused and dangerous.
Motivationally, Kaltz is driven by a strong sense of pride and a competitive spirit. He is not content to simply watch from the sidelines, as shown when the Hamburg junior team initially lets Japan attack only for Kaltz to become the first player to move seriously in response to audience jeers, as he could not bear the situation any longer. He is deeply committed to the success of his team and values honor on the pitch. When his team's honor is wounded by a determined Japanese side, he becomes more serious and unpredictable. While he respects his teammates, he can be provoked, as demonstrated when he lost his composure and received a red card after being told his style of play was boring.
In the story, Kaltz plays a crucial role as a defensive midfielder for the formidable West Germany team. He first appears as a member of Hamburger SV's youth team alongside stars Karl Heinz Schneider and goalkeeper Genzo Wakabayashi, forming a squad that was the number one team in West Germany. During the international junior youth tournament, he is a pivotal figure in Germany's midfield, often dominating games in partnership with Franz Schester. In the final against Japan, his cunning and work rate become central to Germany’s attacks, and he is shown performing a deceptive pass meant for one player that is actually intended for another, showcasing his tactical mind.
His key relationships are primarily with his two famous teammates from Hamburg. He is a close friend to both Karl Heinz Schneider and Genzo Wakabayashi. Their time together at Hamburg forged a strong bond and a deep understanding on the field, as demonstrated when Schneider tells Kaltz exactly where to shoot to injure the opposing goalkeeper's hand. His relationship with Schneider is particularly complex, moving beyond mere friendship to a deep professional respect. While he is initially angered by Schneider’s criticism, he later apologizes, acknowledging Schneider as a true ace.
Kaltz shows significant development in his attitude towards the game. Early on, he is shown coasting on his team's superior talent, such as when he stands around doing nothing in a semifinal match because he feels at ease. However, when faced with a resilient Japanese team that refuses to be dominated, he evolves into a more serious and committed player. His development culminates in moments of humility, where he is willing to admit his mistakes and acknowledge the superiority of a rival, marking a maturation from a casually talented player into a more disciplined and respectful competitor.
Notable abilities include his exceptional tactical intelligence and versatility. He is a player who can single-handedly switch from defense to attack. One of his signature techniques is the Hedgehog Dribble, which he uses to blow past defenders. He is also capable of performing a Loop Shot, a lob aimed to go over the goalkeeper's head. Beyond specific techniques, his greatest asset is his unpredictability; even his own teammates sometimes do not know what he will do next when he is in a serious state. He is described as a passionate craftsman of defense who harasses rivals without rest and fearlessly confronts even the most powerful opponents.