"Despite picking up more heat than the average Bayern Munich and German national team player, Leon Goretzka has been an influential player for both club and country. Bar his recent outings in center-back for Bayern, the Bochum-born player has enjoyed most of his success in the midfield, a position German national team manager Julian Nagelsmann prefers him in. In a recent interview Goretzka explained exactly what he brings to the table for the national team as well as how he fits into the midfield."
""Off the ball, I have the classic duties of a double pivot," explained the 30-year-old midfielder in an interview with RTL (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). "I try to bring a certain physicality and robustness to the game, which was important against Northern Ireland. When we get into the final third, I push forward a bit and try to occupy the number 10 position.""
"While Aleksandar Pavlović continues to take minutes off Goretzka for Bayern and the German national team, the former FC Schalke 04 man's skill set can still be utilized. Germany will certainly come face to face with opponents like Northern Ireland in the future where a more "physical" solution is needed. In that scenario, Goretzka still has a lot to offer."
Leon Goretzka remains an influential presence for both club and country, often facing more scrutiny than teammates. He has mainly succeeded in midfield despite recent center-back appearances for Bayern, and Julian Nagelsmann prefers him in midfield. Off the ball he fulfills classic double pivot duties, providing physicality and robustness that proved important against Northern Ireland. In attacking phases he pushes into the final third and can occupy a number 10 role. Aleksandar Pavlović has taken some minutes, but having both players allows rotation to keep them fresh across Bayern and Germany's congested fixture lists.
Read at Bavarian Football Works
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