Leroy Sane: A breathtaking promise delivering speed

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Leroy Sane' latest development is as breathtaking as his speed along the left flank. The once stubborn young man has turned into one of the most promising performers in the English Premier League. Now the 22-year-old seems to be ready to help 2014 World Champion Germany defend their title at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

In advance of Germany's friendly against Brazil, this Tuesday in the Berlin Olympic stadium German national coach Joachim Loew already announced the winger of Manchester City will be in his team's starting eleven.

Since the 2014 triumph in Brazil Loew has been talking about additional speed, his team needs to secure a bright future.

Next to spearheading striker Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) and Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund) no other German international stands for such sprinting quality as Sane. While Reus' participation at the World Cup is still uncertain due to his long injury absence, Sane and Werner are regarded to be a safe booking in Loew's final squad to be announced on May 15th.

"He stands for a new era as he improved significantly over the last 18 months," Loew commented.

Having joined Manchester City 18 months ago not only the transfer fee of 50 million euro seemed to be a burden for the Essen-born youngster. "I had problems with the speed and the much more physical game played in the Premier League," Sane admitted.

Meanwhile, English media praise him as "brilliant" and predict the son of the former Senegal international Souleymane Sane is one of the future superstars of international football.

With the help of Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola Sane developed to one of the best performers on the left wing. "From my first day on he helped me to improve constantly telling how to improve. He made me better in my game without the ball and with the ball," Sane reports.

To say it plainly: Guardiola is the key when it comes to what is seen as Sane' breakthrough at an early age.

Other than most wingers Sane stand for a traditional style always trying to get to the ground line to provide passes for the box strikers. In 40 Premier League games Sane proved his unique passing skills next to his goal-scoring abilities having scored 12 goals next to 15 assists.

Pundits say the German national team's tactical approach is similar to the one of Guardiola's side. Therefore Sane is the perfect supplement for Loew.

"I had to learn a lot, and I had to go through hard times," Sane admits. Pundits say he had to learn to take football serious without losing his courage.

Like Werner, Sane stands for unpredictable action and youthful nonchalance. When it comes to intuition and audacity Werner and Sane are said to be Loew's strongest weapon.

When joining the Citizens one and a half years ago, Sane seemed to be lost in his new environment. Guardiola criticized his attitude telling media Sane does not deserve to play. In his daily work with the talented youngster, the Spaniard provided advice in every training session.

His message: You might lack fundamental needs but we help you, and we care.

"He told me to play as free as Messi," Sane reports mentioning the FC Barcelona striker is his idol next to former Brazilian international Ronaldinho.

"No matter whom they have to face on the pitch, they always try to get pass them. That's what I like best," Sane emphasized.

Guardiola's strategy paid off. Sane improved in a rocket-like pace. Now he is about to reach the next level as he is knocking at the door of the 2014 World Champion Germany. Enditem