Werner key for defence of World Cup
SOCHI, Russia — The abuse has followed Timo Werner for months, gathering pace as rapidly as the striker has amassed goals.
No German player was more prolific in the Bundesliga last season. No player was as ostracized.
But Werner is now a full-blown Germany international, scoring his first goals at the Confederations Cup on Sunday, and he could hold the key to the World Cup defence next year.
That could require Germany supporters to forgive a player they jeered at during his first competitive game for Joachim Loew’s team earlier this month.
“Kobe Bryant has also been booed everywhere and he always been the best,” Werner reflected ahead of Germany’s Confederations Cup semifinal against Mexico on Thursday, seeing a kindred spirit in the basketball great. “I do not want to say that I am the best like him, but (the abuse) is a bit of an incentive.”
If playing for the ascendant but deeply unpopular Leipzig wasn’t bad enough, a dive in December by Werner provided a focal point for the animosity toward the Red Bull-funded team. The dive won a penalty against Schalke, and provided Werner with one of the 21 goals that helped to propel Leipzig into second place and a Champions League debut next season.
Werner is a potentially very important one for Loew at the World Cup in Russia next year. Germany’s striking options are being assessed at the eight-team Confederations Cup as Loew still seeks a long-term successor to Miroslav Klose as target man for the world champions.
Werner’s rivals for a place in the squad next year include Lars Stindl and Sandro Wagner. They are both close to 30, while the 21-yearold Werner has youth, strength and speed on his side. Even Wagner said he has “never seen such a good striker at that age.”