IN PICS: From Goretzka to Gnabry - Bundesliga's brightest

Kevin McGuinness 17:38 18/02/2017

Rewind to Euro 2000, Germany, one of the most famous and successful nations in world football finished bottom of their qualifying group.

Before this disaster of a tournament unfolded, manager Berti Vogts had repeatedly warned Germany of the ramifications that no talents were coming forth and the country would soon fall behind.

The German governing body for football, the DFB, at long last noticed the severe shortage of potential their nation had to offer and decided to the necessary, long-awaited action to restructure the entire youth system

Known as the ‘Extended Talent Youth Program’ when first launched in 2002, the DFB and professional football clubs all contributed financially to this relaunch of scouting and coaching, with a substantial network of academies established to reach even the most remote, often neglected, areas of the country.

Just fifteen years later, Germany won the World Cup in Brazil, with the winning goal scored by a player who was brought up in the illustrious, incomparable system.

The football revolution has given Germany many fine heroes since that period in the form of Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose and Toni Kroos, to name a few.

While not all of the players listed have grown up in this world-renowned development, it’s clear they will all benefit from those who have.

FC Schalke 04 – Leon Goretzka

It has been three years since Schalke finished in the coveted Champions League spots of Germany’s top tier and while there has not been much progress since, they can count themselves lucky to have held onto a few important players.

While the squad is rife with experienced and prospects who each have faults, one Leon Goretzka manages to represent both virtues, having many years to add to his already experienced career.

After being one of many to ignite bright futures at Bochum, Goretzka soon found himself deployed in an array of positions under then manager Jens Keller but, after a nightmarish eight-month thigh injury, the 21-year-old returned to largely play in his preferred role of midfield.

Most definitely seen as a future starter for die Mannschaft, Goretzka already possesses a skill set light-years beyond his peers. A dominating presence in midfield is amplified by the relentless energy that is required to harry what is an ever-changing Schalke midfield.

While naturally sitting deep as a holding midfielder, Goretzka is no stranger to advancing forward into the final third, as to contribute to what is often criticised as a toothless attack. Only when said offensive manoeuvres come to no avail is the colossal work-rate evident to see, as opponents find out when dispossessed.

While watching the opposition stream forward, typically on the counter, may be considered a daunting sight for many, Goretzka excels in using his tactically sound mind to outwit his foes.

Owing much to his aggression suitable for any hardworking side, the versatile starlet is eager to exert his superiority in winning headers, as well as blocking shots, crosses and through balls alike.

Tackling is becoming an endangered art amongst modern day midfielders; however, it is Goretzka’s deadeye for this rare trait that has earned him many plaudits with the Gelsenkirchen giants.

Using his lanky stature, the maestro often wins many duels in the midfield and, as a result, can distribute the ball quickly to his more attack-minded brethren.

Notable mention(s): Max Meyer, Breel Embolo, Alessandro Schöpf, Timo Wellenreuther.

Hamburger SV – Gian-Luca Waldscmidt

One of the many, many reasons Hamburg have struggled for seasons on end is due to their inability to create chances and thus not score. The club have had just as horrendous a transfer policy as players have often been let go and purchased at an alarmingly abysmal rate.

Luckily for der Dino, they look to have defied both issues with the signing of striker Gian-Luca Waldschmidt from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Despite having made 12 appearances for Frankfurt last season, Waldschmidt’s chances were clearly limited and in none did he start, undoubtedly due to a relegation battle going on.

Subsequently, the gifted forward ended his five-year spell in Hessen, signing on for goal-deprived Hamburg and has already amassed more game time than his days with the Eagles.

Although not given the best of support, Waldschmidt has put in some fine performances in his short stint with die Rothosen, most notably in losses to Freiburg and Dortmund, earning an assist in the latter.

While Hamburg struggle with a not-so-mobile Pierre-Michel Lasogga up front, Waldschmidt has shown he is more than capable for working for the team with his movement to open space up for teammates and make blistering support runs into the box.

Such work rate is made to look effortless by the striker’s refreshingly rapid pace and is able to beat his marker with quick feet. This makes Waldschmidt a real threat on the counter, as has been proven since his early senior days in 2014.

With Hamburg struggling to finish higher up the table despite plenty of cash spent, now might be the time to unleash a fresh-faced forward raring to make a name for himself in a stale squad.

Notable mention(s): Michael Gregoritsch, Wallace, Douglas Santos, Gideon Jung

Hertha BSC – Niklas Stark

Joining the Pál Dárdai revolution at Hertha BSC, defender Niklas Stark became an instant hit following his move from 2. Bundesliga side 1. FC Nürnberg.

While destined for better things than those around him at the average Bavarian side, Stark immediately succeeded with his new club and continued what he had done in the aforementioned season by bolstering Hertha’s defence.

Slotting into a centre-back partnership with the likes of Marvin Plattenhardt, John Anthony Brooks, Fabian Lustenberger and Sebastian Langkamp, Stark’s presence paid dividends as the capital club started to improve on where they had failed and shut out opponents, conceded a mere 18 goals in last season’s Hinrunde — second only to you know who.

As is the case with many in the same position, the Neustadt-born star has all the characteristics necessary to succeed as a German great — height, strength and physicality are all attributes you’d expect of any player befitting the centre-half role, but it is Stark’s decision-making and tackling that have earned him many plaudits in another season of learning.

Although the Old Lady conceded just one more goal in the same amount of games this season, there has been a distinct improvement in the midfield sector, and it comes as no surprise to learn it is the ex- Nürnberger who is the reason why.

As per the common trend of versatility amongst Germany’s youth, the 21-year-old has frequently been able to slot in as a defensive midfielder in protecting the back-four, and has more than demonstrated convincing displays to read the game well, whilst also maintaining discipline by staying in position.

So too a mature commendable trait has been his ability to communicate extremely well with his fellow teammates. While those around him give experience, Stark empowers the team with a sense of eagerness and unwavering determination.

This has also had a positive effect on fellow utility man Mitchell Weiser, with the youngster joining Hertha, from Bayern, in the same window as his comrade.

Notable mention(s): Mitchell Weiser, Ondrej Duda, Sinan Kurt, Allan Rodrigues, Maximilian Mittelstädt, Nils Körber.

RasenBallsport Leipzig – Timo Werner

While several traditional giants of German football are faltering, everyone’s not-so-favourite club are making the most of the startling downfall, and much of this should be credited to the rejuvenated Timo Werner, who is spearheading a super young side to a title race.

At a struggling Stuttgart side, the Werner was often accommodated on the wing, as to make room for less-than-stellar forwards and, as a result, his best qualities were often wasted.

Straight from the off at his new club, Werner completely extinguished rumours of his laziness during the days of ex-VfB manager Alexander Zorniger.

Acting as the intense focal point for RB Leipzig’s ruthless attacking line, Werner is a constant nuisance for defenders of all teams, no matter the calibre or depth.

With unparalleled energy in the modern game, the avid 20-year-old is never one to rest on his laurels and is always on the move, showing a fixated eagerness to make countless runs in an effort to open up the opposition. It is this determination that has allowed him to link-up so well with his fellow forwards in creating space.

Under new, charismatic boss Ralph Hasenhüttl, Werner looks like a completely different player. In accordance with being positioned up top, positive backing has motivated him into pressing oppositions’ back-line and disrupting flow, as the likes of Dortmund and Freiburg found out. It’s almost as if Werner is running on endless supply of Red Bull.

After years of restrictive play with his hometown club, Werner has regained his frightening ability to perform rapid, incisive runs, owing the success to his scintillating dribbling skills.

Even when pressured himself in close quarters, the striker has composure in abundance to evade the defenders with his control and lightning fast acceleration.

Another crucial aspect that has greatly improved since his Stuttgart days has been his clinical nature in front of goal. Last season, Werner managed a mere 6 goals, but, in stark contrast has almost doubled his tally with 11 high-quality strikes this season.

It has not been an uncommon sight for Leipzig’s top scorer to often show-up his teammates. One of many season highlights come in the away demolition of Hamburg, while fans at the Red Bull Arena were treated to a ridiculously ruthless performance where Werner picked up a brace and assist in the win over Mainz.

Notable mention(s): Oliver Burke, Naby Keïta, Yussuf Poulsen, Davie Selke, Marcel Sabitzer, Lukas Klostermann,

Sport-Club Freiburg – Marc-Oliver Kempf

In today’s modern society, it’s common for many players, even those young, to have their head turned by more attractive offers from bigger, better clubs — but this was not the case for Freiburg’s Marco-Oliver Kempf, who made the switch from Eintracht Frankfurt, following limited opportunities.

The latest in a long conveyor belt of talent, Kempf has shown he is more than capable of becoming a household name throughout the Fatherland if he keeps up his performances.

Match-wise, Kempf’s debut season with the Black Forest side in 2014 was one that left a mark in the mind of many as a candidate who could replace Matze Ginter, who had left for Borussia Dortmund. However, the campaign was outshone by injuries and recovery in the reserve side.

Although relegated, the following season proved to be the perfect training ground for the Lich-born defender, as he became a key figure in the side, missing only four league games.

Excelling in the lowers depth of the 2. Bundesliga, Kempf demonstrated his advanced mindset in showing no fear to rush out and intercept threatening attacks from the opposition.

Even when his teammates’ positions were compromised, the 22-year-old had composure in expense and was able to slow down such advances, displaying a good sense of leadership at the back as to keep control.

But skills weren’t just exhibited when trying to preserve the lead. In possession, Kempf often sprayed possession to his more attack-minded colleagues, and, in particular, found striker Nils Petersen as a familiar target for such expressive passes.

Kempf even displayed a keen eye for goal, often aggressive in the enemy box for set-pieces and finding himself quite literally heads and shoulders above all else. Such eagerness saw a return of 8 goalsists in his 30 games — a highly respectable return for a centre-back, let alone one so young.

So good was Kempf’s second season, Freiburg were instantly re-promoted to the top flight in yoyo fashion.

Notable mention(s): Vincenzo Grifo, Maximilian Philipp, Çağlar Söyüncü, Christian Günter.

SV Darmstadt 98 – Antonio Čolak

Perhaps not the first name on everyone’s lips, Antonio Čolak has certainly proven why he deserves recognition with some eye-catching displays in front of goal.

Part of a struggling Darmstadt side, it hasn’t taken long for the Croat to show why he has scored a sizable majority of the Lillies’ goals in their second top-flight season

Unlike many in this list, Čolak had to prove himself in the lower tier of German football, before being given a shot. While not standing amongst the league’s finest, the striker on loan from Hoffenheim was certainly an important player in what turned out to be an indifferent season.

Čolak scored 7 goals in the 25 games he played for FC Kaiserslautern, and made such a big impression the club’s sporting director praised his refreshing football abilities.

A player with a strong, positive mind, Čolak has already put in some big performances against the likes of Leverkusen and his parent club. Particularly deadly in front of goal, as well as being dominant in the air, are traits that will always punish sides, as Bremen found out where they succumbed to conceding a brace — featuring a magnificent second — and, more recently, a winner over high-fliers Dortmund.

Notable mention(s): Johannes Wolff, Patrick Banggaard.

SV Werder Bremen – Serge Gnabry

It will come as no shock to realise Serge Gnabry is the primary candidate for representing the youth of Werder Bremen.

Similar to Brandt and Leverkusen, Gnabry has been one of a very select few to put a good spin on what is looking like another underwhelming season at the Weserstadion.

In what is his real first taste of senior football, the Stuttgarter has performed beyond even the most optimistic of expectations with his dazzling displays refreshing a stale squad.  

A winger by trade, Gnabry often features on his preferred left, but is just as content to ply his trade further right, as well as a false nine.

Formerly a sprinter in his youth, it is only fitting the greatest asset in his arsenal (no pun intended), is his searing pace. In combination with his admirable dribbling, Gnabry can accelerate at a startling rate and reach a top speed, while maintaining full control of possession.

Often having to carve out chances for the team by himself, the 2016 silver medallist is no stranger to partaking in daunting solo runs and has the ideal low centre of mass to beat markers, causing mayhem on a counterattack.

As indicated by his clinical nature at the Olympics, Gnabry has an uncanny habit for goals, often opting to cut inside to devastating effect.

While showing off his natural winger ability, the 21-year-old has also shown encouraging signs of playing as a Raumdeuter (space invader); timing runs to perfection and punishing switched-off defences.

Barely given a chance in the harsh wilderness of the Premier League, Gnabry has proven why he was so highly rated at Arsenal; in becoming die Grün-Weißen’s leading goalscorer this season.

These days, it is extremely rare for this Bremen outfit to strike gold with transfers, but with Gnabry, they have uncovered a whole mine. Grass is greener, and all that.

Notable mention(s): Robert Bauer, Ousman Manneh, Florian Grillitsch, Johannes Eggestein, Maximilian Eggestein.

TSG Hoffenheim 1899 – Nadiem Amiri

The early plans of getting ahead of the curve by investing in the youth academy look to be paying off as another bright player with a big future has stepped forward.

While still a raw youngster in a solid Hoffenheim side, Nadiem Amiri made only a handful of appearances in the 2014/15 season, as chances were hard to come by.

However, after several key players departed the club — chief among which Roberto Firmino — Amiri got his well-deserved at first-team action and did not disappoint. Plying his trade across the attacking line, the player of Afghan descent soon made himself an important player in a depleted side, earning 25 matches, having started 16.

Like Firmino, Amiri’s preferred role is playing as an attacking midfielder, and coming up just shy of 50 chances created in under 1500 minutes of league action last season just goes to show why he has been entrusted with such great responsibility.

While others in his position lack composure in the final third, the 20-year-old has evidently come leaps and bounds in progressing his end-product.

However, Amiri is not one for risking the art of possession that has become so crucial in today’s modern game. If no teammate is in a good position or finds himself stranded, Amiri will rather retain possession than lose it.

As is the case of the typical attack-minded player, Amiri has a truly admirable footwork technique that allows him to leave his marker in the dust, and then proceed to embarrass his next obstacle.

Just as impressive has been the flawless attitude. Having transformed the club back into a serious, reckoning force, eager manager Julian Nagelsmann has amplified the work-rate and positivity of a good many in his squad, with Amiri being no exception.

Very much reflecting his own hunger for success on the academy graduate, Nagelsmann has handed Amiri with even more desire to go in tandem with his natural ability.

Notable mention(s): Niklas Süle, Kerem Demirbay, Jeremy Toljan, Philipp Ochs.

VfL Wolfsburg – Yannick Gerhardt

It’s looking like another season to forget for Wolfsburg as the club struggle to get anywhere close to the dizzying heights of the 2014/15 season.

Luckily for the Wolves, they have plenty of talent to kick on, if not now, then next season.

Gerhardt picked up 77 caps for FC Köln during his three-year spell with the senior team and helped his team to a 9th placed finish — their highest in 24 years.

The midfielder featured in 29 of Effzeh’s league matches during last campaign whilst picking up a respectable 6 goalsists under the tutelage of coach Peter Stöger.

During Dieter Hecking’s final season in charge, Gerhardt was largely used as a utility player to fill voids left by out-of-form and non-replaced players. Normally functioning as a holding midfielder, the Colognian also featured on the wing and largely functioned as a full-back.

While at his former club, Gerhardt announced himself as one of the club’s best players with his calm and composed nature on the ball, and when out of it is an extremely industrious worker. Such diligence has paid dividends and seen the left-footed star rise through his career at a rapid rate.

As the start to his Wolfsburg stint suggests, Gerhardt is not a playmaker by nature, but is rather one to sit deep and support the cycle of possession as to feed those around him who rely on his mature equanimity.

Notable mention(s): Riechedly Bazoer, Maximilian Arnold, Paul Seguin, Josip Brekalo.

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