Player Focus: Stefan Kiessling deserving of Germany recall

At present, the striker is averaging 62.7 touches per goal in the Bundesliga, a fair return for a player performing as the lead frontman. Comparitively, 3 of the Bundesliga’s top goalscorers, Lasogga (27.9), Ibisevic (54.3) and Lewandowski (58.2), are averaging fewer touches per goal than Kießling, but this signifies his increased involvement in the build-up in Leverkusen’s offensive moves.

With the quality of options available to Loew behind a lone striker, Kießling would undoubtedly thrive, such is his ability to bring others into the game. This is underlined in his average of 1.4 key passes per game and 3 assists this season, while ‘key passes’ is a WhoScored strength of his.

Kruse (2.3) may be averaging more key passes per game than his compatriot, but the striking ability and physical presence of Kießling would allow for Germany to adopt a alternate dimension to their attack that would exploit the offensive capabilities of the likes of Mesut Özil, Marco Reus and Julian Draxler. With the goal getting qualities of the German midfield, it’s likely they would flourish with a player of Kießling’s bulky stature leading the line.

This is perhaps emphasised in that 1 of his WhoScored strengths is ‘aerial duels’, with the Leverkusen marksman having won 67 this season already; only Adrián Ramos (80) and André Hahn (77) have won more in the Bundesliga. With a style of play of his being ‘likes to do flick ons’, his ability in the air would prove a further benefit to his international teammates as they look to run in behind the defence and capitalise on the extra space afforded to them.

Having scored the most headed goals (4) in Germany’s top tier, Kießling’s aerial ability in front of goal would be a further asset that Loew could utilise. Should Die Mannschaft be struggling to break down the opposition, the frontman would make an ideal ‘Plan B’ for the Germany boss, which may be of huge importance given each nation is allowed only 23 men in their World Cup squad.

For that to happen, however, it’s expected that Loew would have to make an effort with Kießling to return to the national fold before any dream of a recall becomes reality. Kruse may be impressing for Mönchengladbach, but with Gomez and Klose sidelined with injury, Kießling has again showcased his prowess, highlighting how he’s deserving of a place in the national team once again.