Feature: Loew's secret weapon struggling to find his place

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Football experts are convinced, when fully fit, Ilkay Guendogan could be a decisive factor in Germany's attempt to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

But the man who is said to be one of Manchester City's main factors for success is still searching for his true place in the German national team.

To many following the English Premier League, it might sound weird that the midfielder with Turkish roots is uncertain about his future role in the national squad.

"It's difficult for me to define my role in the team. To be honest, it is due to the time I lost when I was out injured," Guendogan commented ahead of Germany's pre-World Cup friendlies against Spain (Friday) and Brazil (Tuesday).

Now 27, Guendogan has only 22 caps and never participated in a major tournament. In 2014, a muscle problem at his back stopped him from going to Brazil. In 2016, a knee injury excluded him from the European Championships in France.

Last season, Guendogan suffered a rupture cruciate ligament which sidelined him for several months.

Guendogan admitted that he has had to overcome some tough times saying "I was totally off the radar and nowhere near to enjoying football."

Now things seem to have changed as Guendogan has played 38 for Citizens since September 2017 and has helped the team to win the League Cup and build up a comfortable lead on their way to winning the Premier League title.

When it comes to Manchester City, Guendogan's value can't be overestimated. The German-born player is one of the cornerstones of Pep Guardiola's team. Week by week in the current season, he produces top-class performances when propelling his team forwards.

He was the man of the match when the Citizens beat Chelsea 1-0 and set a new Premier League record having delivered 174 passes in 90 minutes. 96 percent were on target.

Statistics talk about him as a "passing machine." His Spanish coach talks about him in glowing terms, praising his game. "Guendo is a unique player. We missed his contribution last season a lot as he was seriously injured. He is fantastic, his goals, his personality," Guardiola emphasized.

Guardiola also admires Guendogan's speed approaching defenders. He tries to get past them in contrast to others who give up and pass the ball.

While Guendogan admits he couldn't be happier with his club at present, his international aspirations are much more modest.

"I'm sure to get time on the pitch but I am far from being in the position to make any big demands," the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder commented.

Next, to Real Madrid's Toni Kroos and Arsenal's Mesut Oezil, Guendogan is seen as one of Loew's secret weapons despite the wealth of candidates competing for a place in Germany's midfield.

On several occasions, the German coach said the midfielder is a game-changer that enriches every team.

Now, both Loew and German fans keep fingers crossed, hoping Guendogan can make the difference when the tournament comes to crunch-time but the German fans too.

Guendogan is confident of succeeding when talking frankly about his next challenging goals: "I want to win the Champions League with my club and be part of the German team at the 2018 World Cup."

It seems he just will have to stay fit this time around and see all of his dreams come true. Enditem