Leon Goretzka saw the funny side when asked whether he’s thinking more about Paris or Rio when it comes to his Germany career. “I’m happy in Bochum for now,” said the Schalke midfielder, who lives in the city of his birth around 20 kilometres outside of Gelsenkirchen.
It wasn’t a question that came out of the blue though. After all, his manager Andre Breitenreiter has said that Goretzka has “great possibilities” with the senior national team, perhaps even at the 2016 European Championship. “There’s a reason that he is a leading player and captain for the U21s.”
Goretzka, who made his debut for Joachim Löw’s side on 13th May 2014 against Poland, could also spend the latter part of next summer in Rio De Janeiro at the Olympic Games. “They are both massive events. Every footballer’s goal is to play for the senior national team at some point, and that’s my goal too,” said Goretzka.
After a number of injury setbacks in the past, he seems to have finally found his feet at Schalke, and is well on the way to becoming a leading player. As well as making the most of his dynamic and physical style in defensive midfield, Goretzka also has confidence on the ball and a good understanding of the game.
“Future of German football”
The 20-year-old isn’t the only youngster in Gelsenkirchen that has caught the eye in recent months though. “Leon Goretzka, Max Meyer and Leroy Sané are the future of German football. They’re incredible talents,” was the praise even from Bayern München manager Pep Guardiola.
Surely it puts you under pressure when a young prospect is spoken highly of like that? “No, not at all,” said Goretzka. “I view it more as a compliment and acknowledgement of my ability.” Like 19-year-old Sané and 20-year-old Meyer, he is a linchpin in the Schalke team. They don’t just symbolise the club’s youth development, but are also part of the Royal Blues’ future.
Sané has been this season’s big discovery and made his debut for the Germany national team in November against France. The son of former Bundesliga player Souleyman Sané causes defenders endless problems with his pacy drives forward, his strength in the tackle and his eye for goal, all of which is complemented by the occasional dazzling skill move.
Meyer already an “old-timer”
Meanwhile, with his quick dribbling, technique and goal threat, Meyer also adds creativity and a surprise element to Schalke’s attacking midfield. He may have made his international debut at the same time as his buddy Leon Goretzka in 2014, but Meyer is almost the “old-timer” of the trio, with 108 competitive appearances for S04 under his belt compared to 65 and 39 for Goretzka and Sané respectively. He too is relatively relaxed about the hype around the young generation. “Everyone feels a bit of pressure before each game, but it’s not like I can’t sleep the night before or anything,” said Meyer. “I just try to have fun on the pitch.”
Leon Goretzka saw the funny side when asked whether he’s thinking more about Paris or Rio when it comes to his Germany career. “I’m happy in Bochum for now,” said the Schalke midfielder, who lives in the city of his birth around 20 kilometres outside of Gelsenkirchen.
It wasn’t a question that came out of the blue though. After all, his manager Andre Breitenreiter has said that Goretzka has “great possibilities” with the senior national team, perhaps even at the 2016 European Championship. “There’s a reason that he is a leading player and captain for the U21s.”
Goretzka, who made his debut for Joachim Löw’s side on 13th May 2014 against Poland, could also spend the latter part of next summer in Rio De Janeiro at the Olympic Games. “They are both massive events. Every footballer’s goal is to play for the senior national team at some point, and that’s my goal too,” said Goretzka.
After a number of injury setbacks in the past, he seems to have finally found his feet at Schalke, and is well on the way to becoming a leading player. As well as making the most of his dynamic and physical style in defensive midfield, Goretzka also has confidence on the ball and a good understanding of the game.
“Future of German football”
The 20-year-old isn’t the only youngster in Gelsenkirchen that has caught the eye in recent months though. “Leon Goretzka, Max Meyer and Leroy Sané are the future of German football. They’re incredible talents,” was the praise even from Bayern München manager Pep Guardiola.
Surely it puts you under pressure when a young prospect is spoken highly of like that? “No, not at all,” said Goretzka. “I view it more as a compliment and acknowledgement of my ability.” Like 19-year-old Sané and 20-year-old Meyer, he is a linchpin in the Schalke team. They don’t just symbolise the club’s youth development, but are also part of the Royal Blues’ future.
Sané has been this season’s big discovery and made his debut for the Germany national team in November against France. The son of former Bundesliga player Souleyman Sané causes defenders endless problems with his pacy drives forward, his strength in the tackle and his eye for goal, all of which is complemented by the occasional dazzling skill move.
Meyer already an “old-timer”
Meanwhile, with his quick dribbling, technique and goal threat, Meyer also adds creativity and a surprise element to Schalke’s attacking midfield. He may have made his international debut at the same time as his buddy Leon Goretzka in 2014, but Meyer is almost the “old-timer” of the trio, with 108 competitive appearances for S04 under his belt compared to 65 and 39 for Goretzka and Sané respectively. He too is relatively relaxed about the hype around the young generation. “Everyone feels a bit of pressure before each game, but it’s not like I can’t sleep the night before or anything,” said Meyer. “I just try to have fun on the pitch.”
But while they will have their fun, Breitenreiter will be sure that the prospects aren’t run into the ground and that the pressure doesn’t take its toll on them. After all, they need to keep that carefree approach that makes the young talents stand out. Something else the manager is doing is giving the players exactly what they need at this time in their career: his backing.
They’re allowed to make mistakes without immediately being thrown under the bus. The idea is that they express themselves and try something different. Breitenreiter praises his young charges and pushes them forward, but he is not afraid to give them a kick up the backside when it’s necessary.
Tough love from the coach
“I always have to battle hard and get my teeth stuck into each game. It does me good when the coach lays into me every now and again and says, ‘Come on, Leroy, get the lead out’,” said Sané.
The way he deals with the height from which he can fall, which grows together with his reputation, is as effective as it is simple. Sané reads next to no match reports, only seeing what’s written about him through social media. “I try to block it out as much as possible,” he said.
Not to be put on a pedestal
Breitenreiter warned of the big responsibility that the young members of the team carry, so it’s important that they aren’t talked up too much. The older players like World Champion and Schalke captain Benedikt Höwedes are there to make sure that doesn’t happen. “We can’t put all the young players on a pedestal, which they possibly wouldn’t be able to cope with,” said the 27-year-old centre back.
“They ought to come onto the pitch with that carefree approach. That’s what makes them a joy to watch,” said Breitenreiter. However, how long will we see them at Schalke for? With the standard that the trio have set already, combined with the fast-paced business that is football, it’s difficult to say. They are sure to have a long future together in the Germany national team though. After all, they’re already the heart of the U21 side.
