5 things you probably didn't know about Liverpool target Leon Goretzka

#1 Goretzka changed his dietary plans to prolong his fitness levels

Goretzka has left the injury troubles behind

Goretzka's early years at Schalke were plagued by injuries. A muscle injury kept him sidelined for 220 days from July 2014 to March 2015. Ligament damage and illness, among others, meant that Goretzka missed 46 of Schalke's all league games prior to the last season. However, he decided to take matters in his own hand and consulted a nutritionist.

"I was diagnosed with a chronic bowel inflammation, which had been having a negative impact on my ability to recover from games. It was caused by different foods," Goretzka said in an interview with German magazine 11 Freunde last year.

"I completely changed what I eat.

"I've stopped eating gluten, cow’s milk, pork and nuts. As a result, I have fewer issues with my health and can recover from a game much quicker."

Leon Goretzka for Schalke since 2015/16:66 games107 tackles won67 take-ons completed67 chances created10 goals6 assistsA unit in the midfield. ? pic.twitter.com/6bPpLeeZVg

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 29, 2017

The results were seen instantly as Goretzka went on to play 30 of Schalke's 34 league games last season. This season too, he has been a regular presence in the midfield and missed only a handful of games.