It has been a strange career for German midfielder Mario Gotze thus far who was once heralded as the next big thing to come out of Germany. After scoring in the World Cup final in 2014 Gotze’s career appeared to be on the rise. However, he has failed to reach the heights he was expected to hit all those years ago. Having failed to rule out a possible move to Liverpool, we take a look at what he could bring to Anfield, should he reunite with Jurgen Klopp.
After breaking onto the scene under Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, there was much hype about the small technically gifted player as he became part of the Yellow Machine that Klopp was creating. Alongside Robert Lewandowski, Marco Reus, Jakub Błaszczykowski and Shinji Kagawa a formidable attack was formed. This was evident when Dortmund won two league titles back to back in 2010/11 and 2011/12.
Gotze was a vital cog in that team, but he could not deter the attention of mammoths Bayern Munich. They acquired his services in 2013 and this dismantled Dortmund’s fluid attack. At Bayern Munich, things did not go the way they should have, and with three years in and out of the team under Pep Guardiola, he returned to his boyhood club Dortmund.
With an impressive return back for Dortmund, including a strong performance against his former side, it looked like Gotze was finally living up to his potential. However, a mysterious illness ruled him out for most of the season in 2016/17.
This season has been a similar story with Gotze having to be nurtured during games and is something Liverpool will have to be wary of. Coach Peter Bosz was impressed with how he conducted himself during the season but did not want the flamboyant midfielder to be hit by injury again. With just 32 appearances all season in all competitions, Gotze completed 90 minutes just 13 times. He did manage to grab six assists and two goals for his side.
However, Gotze, on his day he is unplayable. Operating as a central midfielder or a central attacking midfielder he can cause real problems for defences as he can hold onto the ball while holding off challenges and play decisive passes. Even if he finds himself out wide, he can produce a sensational ball into the box for his striker.
He’d improve Liverpool’s squad depth, and could potentially become a regular under Klopp should he put in superb performances in the middle of the park.
The real problem with Gotze is his fitness. If he’s able to remain fit and injury free then he could be a solid signing. Otherwise, he’d be a flop as he’d be unable to feature for Liverpool on a consistent basis, or even make up the bench.
