Rewind back to 23rd of April 2013, it was supposed to be the day Borrussia Dortmund play their biggest game in more than a decade- a semifinal second leg against real Madrid, but apparently there was something else on the minds of Dortmund fans: their playmaker, Mario Gotze had agreed a move to their fierce rivals Bayern Munich. "it could have been timed better, its going to take a while to heal,this news is not good for us". Klopp told a press conference that time.Such was the importance of the then 20 year old Mario. Hailed by Matthas Sammer as one of the best talents Germany has ever had....So 3 years on, what has gone wrong with the boy once called the German Messi because of his speed and style of play.
A number of injury problems have blighted Gotzes Bayern career so far, but that has not been the only problem he has faced so far. The changes to Bayern's formation and style of play under Pep Guardiola have hindered his influence and Minutes on the pitch. Best utilized in a central attacking position, the 23 year old has been shifted outwide where he is less effective, resulting in lower goals and assist output.
He has played primarily in the easy games since his return from his injury lay-off as it becomes a huge problem to force himself back into a team consisting of 8 attackers vying for 4 positions (Lewandoski, Coman, Costa, Muller, Ribery, Robben, Thiago and Gotze). This season Gotzes only use in the Champions league knockout round included a 5 minute cameo in the 1st leg and a meaningless 1 minute intro in the 2nd leg against Benfica, thereby missing important matches to Juventus and Atletico Madrid. Such is the importance of Gotze now, the man that scored the world cup winning goal for Germany.
So what next for the attacker? a possible return to Dortmund has been touted but that would be a brave move if you ask. Another option is a reunion with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool which may be a wise decision based on the trust Klopp has in Gotzes abilities. Also staying put at Bayern to fight for his career under Ancelotti next season is not fully out of the picture. So whatever decision he makes,time's running out for the 23 year old German Messi!!!