Timo Werner – Germany’s one to watch at Russia 2018

Manuel Veth –

There will be plenty of keen eyes watching how Timo Werner performs at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, amidst a wealth of recent speculation that some of the biggest clubs in Europe could be ready to pounce after the tournament, with the player himself apparently keen to take the next giant leap in his career.

Although he wasn’t amongst the most prolific marksmen in the Bundesliga last season, Werner did lead the scoring charts for RB Leipzig in the competition, netting 13 goals in 32 appearances. His creativity was just important too, ranking highest in the team with 7 assists, which also went a long way towards helping his club squeak into the Europa League positions.

Such a positive overall attacking contribution will be just as highly valued by German national team boss Joachim Löw, given that Werner has been an impressive addition to the side since debuting in March 2017 during a friendly against England. After making that first step, the 22-year-old went on to star in the 2017 Confederations Cup, scoring his first two international goals against Cameroon, then a third against Mexico. He also laid on the assist for Lars Stindle to score the winner against Chile in the final.

Expectations are not heaved on Werner

However, amidst an impressive line-up of former World Cup stars providing FIFA World Cup betting tips for Betfair recently, Michael Ballack appeared keen to lift any pressure Werner might be feeling, ahead of the tournament in Russia. “He’s still young, we don’t expect too much of him,” the former German international insisted, before going on to back another of the side to top score, saying: “I’ll go with Thomas Müller.”

Nevertheless, at 16/1 odds to lift the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, Ballack is certainly an admirer of the qualities Werner can offer the German attacking line. “He has a really good strength, he learns really quick and adapts really quick to a high level, which you could see in the last games which he played for the national team.”

Timo Werner without a doubt has the potential to be the next great German striker (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

“He’s really well suited up front as a number nine, with Özil and Müller, so they understand each other quite well and quickly. I expect that he might be starting,” concluded Ballack, certain that Werner will feature strongly in the tactical plans and team selections of head coach, Joachim Löw, as Germany aim to achieve the rare feat of winning back-to-back World Cup titles.

A number of clubs will be watching Werner’s progress

Undoubtedly, there will be a number of club managers and scouts at the World Cup, carefully analysing and watching Werner’s every action. Currently valued at €60 million by transfermarkt.comand rumoured to be seriously considering a move away from RB Leipzig, there are reportedly a host of clubs weighing up the possibility of entering into negotiations with his club.

After their bid to sign French international Nabil Fekir appears to have stalled, 2017-18 Champions League finalists Liverpool have been linked with turning their attention to Werner, though Manchester United and Bayern München are also keen according to goal.com sources.

For now, the player must keep his club ambitions at the back of his mind and focus on helping Germany with potent displays at the World Cup. The rest will inevitably follow in due course, as he steps towards realising his world class potential.

Manuel Veth is the owner and Editor in Chief of the Futbolgrad Network. He also works as a freelance journalist and among others works for the Bundesliga and Pro Soccer USA. He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in History from King’s College London, and his thesis is titled: “Selling the People’s Game: Football’s transition from Communism to Capitalism in the Soviet Union and its Successor States,” which is available HERE. Originally from Munich, Manuel has lived in Amsterdam, Kyiv, Moscow, Tbilisi, London, and currently is located in Victoria BC, Canada.  Follow Manuel on Twitter @ManuelVeth.