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

#1 Leroy Sane (Manchester City)

Leroy Sane played a vital role in Manchester City's title-winning campaign.

Age: 22

Position: Winger

Leroy Sane was a key element in Manchester City’s record-shattering 2017-18 Premier League winning team. The former Schalke winger has flourished under the guidance of Pep Guardiola and has added ‘finishing’ to his already rich set of talents. Sane scored 10 goals and assisted 15 in City’s league campaign, and will be a direct rival to Marco Reus in the German squad.

Sane is capable of playing in both the wings, and will be able to form a fast, counter-attacking trio with Brandt and Ozil, especially if Loew opts for a double-pivot 4-2-3-1 formation.

Sane has played in multiple occasions as a wing-back but it is highly unlikely he will be asked to don the role for the German national team. With German mainstays Draxler, Ozil and Reus having had not-so-impressive seasons with their clubs, it will be interesting to see if Loew opts to go with in-form players over the experienced candidates.