Feature: Leipzig's Werner attracting big clubs

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- At the age of only 21 Timo Werner stands for qualities you rarely find in football. The Stuttgart born Youngster developed to an established performer for German national coach Joachim Loew and will be a vital part of the German squad for the 2018 World Cup.

He is continuously delivering goals for his club RB Leipzig and addresses all requirements of modern spearheading football such as an extreme speed and an unbreakable will to find the quickest way to the goal.

In advance of his side's last game in group H of the Champions League campaign 2017/2018 against Besiktas Istanbul, this Wednesday evening rumors speak about Real Madrid to be the next club keeping an eye on him. The Spanish side is just one of many competitors in Europe having added Werner to its watch-list.

While his club is struggling to make it to the next round, Werner's name is found in several blooming reports around FC Barcelona, Real, Manchester United and Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Champions League title holders Real have been tracking the blond German last season and this year as they search for a new center-forward, with Karim Benzema's time at the club approaching its end.

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes recently said Bayern had missed the chance to sign a talented young a few years ago and should try to get him as soon as possible.

And as the Youngster has gained experience and confidence over the last years it is no surprise that he is thinking about his presumably bright future.

"I am 21; I am in the German team and did well there. It does not work that bad in the national league, and therefore it is no secret to me that big clubs start to show interest," Werner commented.

The Swabian born forward has an until 2020 valid contract with Leipzig. "One day we will have to decide about the next steps," he stressed. The next possible step for him will have to be a "club able to win the Champions League." Werner mentioned Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United and Bayern Munich as clubs he is dreaming of.

"We will see what comes next," Werner said with a smile on his face. His next club is nothing that keeps his mind busy at present he emphasized. "There is no pressure as I still have to learn many things and gain more routine. It is more a one-fine-day case," Werner said.

Departure day could come sooner than expected. That seems to cause concern when it comes to Leipzig sports director Ralf Rangnick. After Real's interest came to light, the 59-year-old hastened to announce, Werner would not be allowed to leave. "No way," Rangnick said. "Not this winter and not next summer," he added.

Werner's progress is described as rocket-like. In 2016, when leaving Stuttgart for the first time in his life, Werner was seen as a talented youngster, but far from a regular for the national team despite having made his debut in the Bundesliga with 17 followed by his first appearance for Germany in 2017.

"I had to get along alone for the first time in my life," he commented adding that was the so far biggest challenge besides football.

Meanwhile, the shy young man has turned into one of the most promising footballers in Europe, expressing confidence.

Werner has learned to deal with resistances as he turned into Germany's bad boy after a false dive in a Bundesliga game over a year ago. Fans accused him to only follow money purposes when joining Leipzig. It took him nerves and energy to turn around things and gain acceptance in the German shirt. Meanwhile fans are convinced, it needs Werner to defend the World Cup in Russia.

"I had to deal with obstacles much more than others," Werner stressed and said he has developed patterns to overcome frustration and setbacks. The once young striker has finally grown up and seems ready for the next step soon. Enditem