5 things you probably didn't know about Liverpool target Leon Goretzka

#4 He helped Bochum avoid relegation

Goretzka scored four goals and five assists during the 2012-13 season

Following his impressive performances at the U-17 European Championship in 2012, Bochum rewarded Goretzka with a new five-year contract and a first-team debut. While the scenario wasn't idle as Die Unabsteigbaren spent the season in the lower half of 2. Bundesliga, battling relegation, it proved to be an important step in young Goretzka's career path as regular first-team exposure paved the way for Schalke the following season.

He ended that campaign with 32 appearances under his belt, scoring four goals and assisting five as Bochum finished 14th - one point and two places above the relegation zone.

Last December, while receiving an award from German TV ARD for Goal of the Month, Goretzka admitted that he owed a debt of gratitude to Bochum for where he is today. In response, the club published a letter thanking him instead for his services and stating if anybody owes anything, it is they to Goretzka. The club also explained that his move to Schalke came "at a time when we were in a serious financial crisis", thanking him for "almost single-handedly saving Bochum from extinction" and wishing him a great career ahead.

As a courtesy, Bochum even invited Goretzka to join the club at the end of his career, if he fancied the option.