#8 LARS BENDER

Date of birth: April 27th,1989

Joined club: 2009

Position: Midfielder

Height: 1,85 m

Weight: 81 kg

International: Germany

The captain of the Werkself has played close to eight seasons for Bayer 04 and after Stefan Kiessling, second in total appearances. “I have to play with my heart and identify myself with my club,” says the German national player who cleans up the midfield with strategy and tactics. An absolute leader on the pitch who unfortunately has suffered a string of injures and has missed weeks. The 27-year-old will return to action in the second half of the Bundesliga season.