World Cup 2018: 5 aspects of Germany’s play that need improvement

#4 Play to Werner's Strengths

Germany need to play to Werner's strengths

Not since Jurgen Klinsmann left has the German national team had a pacy striker like RB Leipzig's Timo Werner.

For too long, strikers of DieMannschaft have either been of the fox-in-the-box variety (poachers who just look to get the goals) like Miroslav Klose and Cacau or big target men like Oliver Bierhoff, Mario Gomez, Stefan Kiessling among others.

Werner's strengths which include pace, predatory finishing, an ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play, coupled with a keen understanding of the game were on full display during last year's Confederations Cup where he scored three and assisted two goals.

However, the current setup is not getting the best out of him as too many passes are being played to his feet. This then requires him to try and move away from the close attention of centre-backs, a difficult proposition where there is little or no space to work with (he was well shackled by the Mexican centre-backs)

Low will need to instruct the team's midfielders to direct their passing and crosses in front of Werner as these are the situations where he can make the most use of his blistering pace to get behind defenders.

The wingers and midfielders especially Ozil/Muller would also have to get closer to him as he is very good at playing 1-2s and moving into space to receive the return pass.

This would help quicken the team's attacks and pin the opposition back in their own half while leaving space in the middle for the likes of Kroos to work their magic.