Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane delivers for Germany against Ukraine.
The international break is always a headache for clubs as there is a risk of players losing to injuries while playing for respective countries. This season is even more stressful in terms of fixtures congestion as players of top clubs are playing two games a week. Bayern Munich is very well represented during this international break.
However, everything is not doom and gloom during the international break. The break also allows players to keep the good run of form and helps in improving the fitness of players that have just returned from injuries. It also helps players that are struggling for form with their clubs.
Leroy Sane managed to get more minutes under his belt on Saturday by delivering a complete performance against Ukraine. He scored the first goal for Germany since 2019. Sane had an injury nightmare last season after suffering a serious knee injury that kept him out of action for more than ten months.
The 24-year-old suffered another knee injury in September, keeping him out for four weeks. He returned to action late in October, scoring twice from the bench. Sane scored the crucial third goal against Borussia Dortmund last weekend that eventually turned out to be the difference between the two sides.
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Sane’s goal against Ukraine was a typical winger’s goal. On the break, he made a darting run on the right flank behind Ukraine’s defense. Leon Goretzka played a defense splitting pass to fine Sane. The young winger did the rest by hammering the ball past the goalkeeper after cutting inside on his left foot.
The goal against Germany takes Sane’s season tally to five goals for club and country. The output may seem very less, but considering his playing time for Die Roten and Germany, it is an outstanding return. Die Roten and Germany will hope that Sane keeps himself fit for the rest of the campaign. If Sane manages to stay fit, then he is likely to post career-best numbers in the final third.
Sane was not the only Bayern player to shine for Germany last night. Goretzka was at the heart of Germany’s midfield that sparked a comeback after going behind early in the game. The 25-year-old central midfielder covered every blade of the grass and grabbed two assists against Ukraine. Goretzka’s form for club and country in the last ten months has been remarkable.
Switzerland’s draw against Spain on Saturday meant that the outcome of Group four of the UEFA Nations League would be decided on Tuesday. Germany will have to avoid defeat against Spain to make sure that they finish first in the group. If Sane and Goretzka maintain their good form, then Germany has a strong chance of making it to the knockouts of Nations League.