SCOUTING REPORT

WHO IS LEROY SANE?

ONE of the Bundesliga’s hottest young talents, Sane has shot to stardom at Schalke over the last few years. He first caught the eye with a cameo appearance against Real Madrid, scoring in Schalke’s 4-3 win at the Bernabeu in March 2015. Last season he established himself as a first-teamer with nine goals and seven assists to seal a place in Germany’s Euro 2016 squad.

WHAT KIND OF PLAYER IS HE?

A DAZZLING dribbler, Sane’s first touch is excellent and he is never scared to launch a counter-attack. His technical ability has seen him compared to Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and even Lionel Messi.

HE’S ADMIRED IN GERMANY, THEN?

JOACHIM LOW, Germany’s head coach, was full of praise for Sane before Euro 2016. ‘Leroy has an amazing ability to exploit open spaces,’ said Low. ‘With his pace and his finishing he is a player with a special gift.’ Though Low clearly sees Sane as a key part of his future plans, the midfielder did not enjoy much game time in France. Many in Germany feel it was a mistake to omit him from the semi-final starting XI against France.

WILL HE FIT GUARDIOLA’S PHILOSOPHY?

GUARDIOLA has already said ‘congratulations to Germany’ for having developed such a player but it could be that Sane will need to improve his passing and show more patience to fit in. His individualistic approach is not one widely associated with the City boss. Yet Sane may prove to be just what is needed. Guardiola teams have been at their best when complemented by individualists such as Messi. Sane could give City the incisiveness that Pep’s Bayern sometimes lacked.