Ilkay Gündogan of Galatasaray Istanbul has stood by his much-criticized teammate Leroy Sané ahead of the World Cup. Amidst public debate about Sané’s nomination, who has good chances for a starting spot in the German national team after Lennart Karl’s injury and his goal in the test match against the USA, the DFB captain told *kicker* that his call-up to Julian Nagelsmann’s squad was ‘well-deserved’.
«Leroy’s season was very similar to mine; it was turbulent, with highs and lows. The crucial thing from my perspective is: he didn’t just start well, he also finished the season well, and he repeatedly managed to pull himself out of difficult situations. I know how hard he works, and he totally deserves to be there,» explained Gündogan.
Nevertheless, the midfielder pointed to ‘Leroy’s only problem’. Sané, he stated, sometimes lets his ‘frustration show a little too obviously when something doesn’t quite work out 100 percent in a game.’ However, Gündogan clarified, this is ‘even a positive thing.’ ‘Because it expresses the exact opposite of what people say about him. A label is often stuck on him. But I think it means that things don’t leave him indifferent, that he’s primarily annoyed with himself the most.’
Sané’s squad nomination had caused considerable consternation among German fans and some experts. As Gündogan hinted, the 30-year-old is coming off a very mixed season with Galatasaray Istanbul. Although he ultimately had 16 goal contributions in 43 competitive games, he did not achieve the improvement in output in the comparatively weaker Süper Lig that Nagelsmann demanded. Moreover, Sané even lost his regular starting position with the Turkish champions at one point.
That Sané ‘finished the season well’ is only partially supported by the statistics. After a red card in the Istanbul derby on matchday 25, Sané contributed only two more scorer points in seven appearances towards the title win. Nevertheless, he played most of the time. Furthermore, the former Munich and Schalke player convinced as a substitute in the test match against Ghana in March, where he assisted Deniz Undav’s winning goal in the 2-1 victory.
Against the USA, Sané himself scored the winning goal on Saturday, after having previously had an unfortunate performance. Nevertheless, with Karl’s departure, much points towards a starting position on Sunday against Curaçao. As a classic alternative on the right wing, Nagelsmann would otherwise have Jamie Leweling of VfB Stuttgart available, as Karl’s replacement Assan Ouedraogo is a central midfielder. Furthermore, Kai Havertz, who is a definite starter, could move to the right side, thereby making space in the center forward position for Deniz Undav or Nick Woltemade.
Leroy Sané: Performance Data and Statistics for the German National Team
| Games | 76 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 11 |