Germany have experienced a topsy-turvy beginning to this World Cup campaign. A hotly contested draw with Spain is all well and good but that loss to Japan was quite the shock. Germany forward Leroy Sane has been left waiting in the wings for the most part, which is another surprise given Hansi Flick’s lack of attacking options.
Germany Forward Leroy Sane Watching on From the Sidelines
How has Sane Been Used so Far?
As has been previously mentioned, Hansi Flick isn’t exactly blessed with elite, attacking talent. Due to the lack of an out-and-out striker, we have seen Kai Havertz and Thomas Muller both play centrally from the start with two games gone. Neither of this duo has made the biggest impact though, it was instead Niclas Füllkrug of Werder Bremen who struck against the Spaniards.
Bayern Munich dominate a fair chunk of the squad with Flick almost able to feasibly name a whole starting XI from his former club. This is particularly the case going forward, with an attack of Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala and Muller being very solid. The one man missing from this equation to date is Germany forward Leroy Sane.
Important point! We‘re here! @DFB_Team #WorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/jULzJ9YJf7
— Leroy Sané (@leroy_sane) November 27, 2022
Sane has accumulated just 20 minutes to date in Qatar. He remained an unused substitute in the defeat to Japan and then made a brief cameo in the Spain game, his pace and directness making a difference in this little spell.
Prior to the tournament, it seemed safe enough to assume that the Bayern duo, Sane and Gnabry, would provide the width for Die Mannschaft. One hasn’t played and the other has flattered to deceive. In their place, the slack has been picked up by young Jamal Musiala, the shining light thus far for the Germans.
Read More: Germany Youngster Jamal Musiala Could Make the Difference for His Country in Qatar
How will Germany Forward Leroy Sane be Used Going Forward?
Hansi Flick’s reluctance to use Leroy Sane is quite an interesting situation, with rumours of injury stoking the fire. This wasn’t the case when the pair were together at club level. A lack of any real attacking impetus from the group E side, who have it all to do, could work in favour of Germany forward Leroy Sane. They are currently rock bottom of the group which is of course reminiscent of their experience four years ago.
In the final game, an unbeaten Spain side will play second-placed Japan whereas Germany will clash with Costa Rica. Luis Enrique’s team can do the Germans a favour by beating Japan, meaning all they have to do to qualify themselves is also win. Sane should surely be afforded more of a chance to affect the game and the same goes for goal scorer Füllkrug.
Leroy Sané has to start against Costa Rica 🇩🇪🔥 pic.twitter.com/8FNhr0OX6D
— Bayern & Football (@MunichFanpage) November 28, 2022
It really will be a nail-biting affair when Germany are next in action. They have a lot on the line and the same goes for all four teams in group E. It remains to be seen whether Sane will continue to watch on from the sidelines or if he’ll be thrust into the limelight by Hansi Flick and co.
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