German midfielder is eager to become a key player for Bayern Munich, joining the club on a free transfer this summer from Schalke 04.
Leon Goretzka is determined to prove himself at Bayern Munich. The dynamic midfielder is joining Bayern Munich after his contract expires with Schalke later this month. Bayern agreed personal terms with the player in January and officially announced the signing at that time.
Right now, Goretzka is preparing for the World Cup with the German national team. While talking to TZ, Goretzka outlined his plans in Bavaria. He is eager to fight for his place in the starting XI at Bayern and become more of a team player.
"“I’m not going there to sit on the bench. I’m well aware of the fact that there is an immense amount of quality there. I’ve transferred to an absolutely world-class club.“And it’s quite clear that you have to perform—in order to claim a place in the starting lineup. But that’s my plan. I’m not going to sit on the bench. On the contrary, I’d like to help the team with my game.”"
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The German midfielder also admitted that Niklas Sule and Joshua Kimmich will help him settle at Bayern. Goretzka has been in touch with both players since their youth.
Sule was absolutely delighted when Bayern Munich confirmed the signing of Goretzka. The trio were also part of the Germany squad which won the Confederations Cup last summer.
Goretzka endured a decent season with Schalke as the club finished runners-up in the Bundesliga. The German is a versatile midfielder and can play several roles in midfield. At Bayern, he’ll most likely be used as a box-to-box midfielder. However, to play this role he needs to increase his productivity in the final third. He was able to deliver only four goals and two assists in all competitions for Schalke this past season.
Bayern Munich currently have a plethora of options in midfield. Javi Martinez and Sebastian Rudy are the holding midfielders in the squad. The likes of Thiago Alcantara, Arturo Vidal and Corentin Tolisso can play numerous roles in midfield as well. Renato Sanches is also set to return to the club this summer after his poor spell at Swansea City.
However, there have been many reports about the departure of some of these players. Thiago Alcantara and Arturo Vidal could depart in this window if a right offer arrives. There is still speculation surrounding the future of Sanches despite the comments from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
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These reported departures will decrease competition for Goretzka. The German midfielder is tipped to establish himself in the next few years as one of the best midfielders in Europe. If he maintains this stance of working hard, he is bound to achieve success with Bayern Munich.