It has been a challenging season for Bayern Munich players. However, they have managed to turn a corner in the last two weeks. After two convincing displays against Arsenal, Bayern clinched a comfortable 5-1 win against Union Berlin to make it three wins in a row across all competitions.
Leon Goretzka has been one of the better performers for Bayern in the last couple of months. The German midfielder is currently one of the first names on the team sheet for Thomas Tuchel. Barring any injury problems and suspensions, Goretzka is likely to start against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.
The German midfielder delivered a commanding display against Union Berlin. Along with excelling in the midfield, Goretzka also provided moments of brilliance in the final third. He showed a striker’s instinct to score the first goal and delivered a pinpoint cross for Thomas Muller’s second goal.
Despite showing consistency in performances over the last couple of months, Goretzka is facing the prospect of not playing for Germany in the Euros. The 29-year-old midfielder was not in the squad selected for friendlies against France and Netherlands. While talking to Sky Sports on Saturday, Goretzka insisted that he remains hopeful about getting a spot in the German national team for the Euros.
""That's my clear goal. My attitude is that I always try to be on the pitch and show Julian that I'm there and that I will take on the fight. I'm trying to bring that to the pitch week in week out in order to somehow hop on the train for the Euros.""Leon Goretzka
Julian Nagelsmann has insisted that there will be very few changes in the squad which was selected in March. The return of Toni Kroos adds more competition in the midfield department of the national team. Goretzka must play out of his skin in the next five weeks to seal a place in the squad.
The former Schalke midfielder has bounced well from setbacks this season. He was not expected to start the season in the starting lineup under Thomas Tuchel. Goretzka made the most of his opportunities to cement his place in the starting XI. This attitude and temperament can help Goretzka to earn his place back in the German squad.
Along with a place in the German squad, Goretzka is also fighting for his future in Bavaria. Bayern are planning a squad overhaul in the summer, which has led to speculation about the futures of several senior players. Goretzka has been subject to interest from Juventus, but he is keen on staying in Munich. The new coach will also have a big say in Goretzka’s future at the club.
The Bavarian faithful want to see more quality performances from Goretzka in the coming weeks. The games against Real Madrid will be challenging as the Spanish giants have a strong midfield department. Goretzka will have a vital role to play in disrupting Real Madrid’s midfield across two games.