Not long ago Mario Gotze was Germany’s most loved player after he had scored the World Cup winning goal in extra time. Since then, the attacking midfielder has endured a tough time under Pep Guardiola with rumours mounting all over the media that he might head for an exit door at the end of the current campaign.
The 23-year old playmaker joined Bayern Munich after enjoying four successful years at Borussia Dortmund. Jurgen Klopp claimed that the reason behind Gotze’s transfer to Bayern was the player’s wish to play under Pep Guardiola.
During his first season at Allianz Arena, the German midfielder scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in 45 appearances across all competition.
Despite scoring the winning goal in FIFA 2014 world cup final, the attacker spent most of his second season on the bench, but somehow managed to score 15 goals in 48 appearances with most of the goals coming as a substitute.
This season Gotze has only featured in 13 matches for Bayern which is not really good for the 23 year old starlet. He has only netted 4 times this season and is strongly linked with a move to Liverpool this summer.
Gotze’s minutes on the pitch are affected not only because of injuries but because of changes to Bayern’s formation and style of play under Guardiola. Gotze is best utilized in a central attacking midfield position but because of Guardiola’s 4-3-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation, he is the one to make the sacrifice.
After the arrival of Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal , Gotze’s playing time has come under more scarcity. Pep prefers midfield combination of Xabi Alonso, Vidal, Thiago Alcantara and Thomas Muller which has forced Gotze out of the Bayern’s starting XI.
The former Borussia Dortmund graduate is yet to make a decision regarding his future, however the rumours regarding his move to Anfield are persisting since the day Jurgen Klopp took over the managerial job .
The German would be available in the region of 45 million euros but because of a slide in his form and playing time, Bayern will have to consider selling him at less than their asking price.
A summer move to Liverpool might be the only way to kick start Gotze’s sinking career. Klopp had brought out the best from him at Dortmund, and one believes he can do it again if the player arrives at Anfield next season.
At Liverpool Gotze can impose himself as the key player unlike being another of the several stars at Bayern. Gotze’s partnership with Philippe Coutinho could be the missing link at Liverpool right now, and if the duo give their best, Anfield side could see a return to Champions in coming seasons.
Gotze-coutinho along with creative midfielders Adam Lallana and Robert Firmimo are destined to be premier league’s best attacking midfielder .
Adapting to Liverpool’s playing style wouldn’t be a problem for the 23 year old after already been a part of Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund side which used to play high pressure and counter attacking football.
Gotze knows Klopp’s tactics well enough and klopp being a father like figure to him would greatly benefit Liverpool, only if they succeed to lure him to Anfield. Former Dortmund manager must pull out every resort to sign his former protege which would by all means kick-start Jurgen Klopp’s stint at Liverpool.
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