World Cup 2018: 5 Under-23 players who could spearhead Germany’s World Cup defence

#4 Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)

Werner will be a man to watch at the Mundial

Age: 22

Position: Striker

One of the biggest problems for Die Mannschaft in the recent past has been the lack of a classy out-and-out centre-forward. With Miroslav Klose hanging up his boots and Mario Gomez in the fag-end of his career, Germany have often struggled to retain possession or play a pass to their ‘target man’ against top opponents.

This is why young Werner’s development as one of Europe’s most sought-after striker would have Loew licking his lips. The Leipzig forward is fast, direct and already has a wealth of experience playing in at the top end with more than 150 appearances in the Bundesliga.

He was a key figure and the Golden Boot winner in Germany’s domination of the 2017 Confederations Cup, and will be heading into World Cup after a steady season with Leipzig where he scored 13 and assisted seven in his 32 appearances in the Bundesliga.

Even though he wasn’t able to replicate the form he showed in the 2016-17 season for Leipzig, he will still be expected to lead the attack for Germany in Russia.