Gunter Netzer: Gundogan is a good replacement for Schweinsteiger

The former West Germany international has supported the Black Yellows’ star to mount a challenge for his place in the national side, in place of the Bayern Munich vice-captain.

Former Real Madrid and Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Gunter Netzer has issued a warning to Bayern Munich central midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger that Borussia Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan is ready to take his place in the Germany team.

The young player played the whole game in his side’s 2-1 friendly win over France last week and also provided the assist for Thomas Muller’s goal. As a result of this, the 1974 World Cup winner has backed the youngster for a great future ahead of him.

“Gundogan was responsible for the rhythm of the game and recognised when he needed to go at high speed directly towards the opponent’s goal,” he was quoted as saying in an interview.

“With his capabilities and consistent performances, I see Schweinsteiger’s place at risk, despite his great contribution to the national team,” he added.

“Schweinsteiger’s game has for some time unfortunately mostly seen him create from his own half, with many, sometimes unnecessary, cross-field passes and not so many vertical passes and individual initiative, which are the quickest ways to launch an attack,” he mused.

“The philosophy is to be more flexible and unpredictable and confuse the opponent’s defence with quick and agile players,” he continued.

“Since there is currently only a small number of German strikers with the appropriate level, [Joachim] Low should try this system out,” he stated.

“If specialists are not available, has can legitimately use a striker-free system,” he finally concluded.

Netzer believes that if Gundogan keeps performing at the highest level, Schweinsteiger’s position in Die Mannschaft is at a major risk even though he has been a key figure in the national team in recent years.

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Posted by Rizwan Kazmi on Feb 11 2013. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.