Transfer Scouting Report: Borussia Dortmund’s Mario Gotze

By Chris Linnell

Fans around the football world are always searching for the next wave of superstars. Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Mario Gotze would certainly be on the short list after illustrating his immense potential over the past few years.

The 20-year-old has become one of Europe’s most sought-after players thanks to a string of impressive displays for Dortmund over the past 2 years. He helped guide the German giants to successive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 while the attacking midfielder has also played a key role in Dortmund reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League this season.

His rise has been noticed by managers throughout Europe, which has made him a popular transfer target during recent windows.

According to German sports magazine Kicker, the young German is a summer target for English clubs Manchester City and Arsenal.

Club: Borussia Dortmund

Age: 20-years-old

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Bio

Gotze made his name at Dortmund in 2009-10 when Shinji Kagawa was unable to play through injury. Since the 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most talented young players in Europe.

Joining the Dortmund academy at the age of eight, he rose through the youth ranks and caught the eye of the international set-up, whom he represented from U-15 level up to his senior debut against Sweden in 2010.

Both on the flanks or through the centre, Gotze’s creative talent quickly made him the star of the Dortmund side and he picked up his first title in his first full season in the side.

He was one of the star performers when Borussia Dortmund stormed to their first league title in nine years back in 2010-11 – and he was only 17 years old.

A hip injury kept him out of the line-up between January and April last season and there was some concern that he would be unable to replicate his stellar form after so long on the side-lines.

But those worries were quickly dispelled on the very first day of the Bundesliga season. He dovetailed perfectly with new arrival Marco Reus and both men got on the score sheet as the champions started the defence of their title with victory.

And, although results have not been as consistent this term, the performances of Gotze and Reus have been.

The 20-year-old has been in particularly sparkling form. Playing behind the striker but wandering across the forward line, he is brilliant on the ball and his quick feet and excellent control mean that he can dribble past defenders either on the run or from a standing position. He also boasts the ability to spot a pass and play it perfectly.

Most importantly, though, he scores a variety of goals, and most of them are spectacular. Whether well-hit screamers, delicate dinks or lobs, or just dribbling past the goalkeeper and slotting home, Gotze knows how to put the ball in the net.

This season, Gotze has played 26 games, contributing 8 goals and 7 assists in the process.

Positioning and Ability

Gotze has widely been seen as the best man to play the number 10 role at Dortmund, sitting behind Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski.

The 20-year-old has the full package for an attacking-midfielder: great passing, lovely change of pace, low-centre of gravity and capable of making clinical final passes.

The Dortmund star has scored several wonderful goals this season showing sublime awareness, quick feet and clinical finishing.

So, will he make the move to England?

Gotze’s performances against City in the group stages of the Champions League have attracted the attention of sporting director Txiki Begiristain who is understood to have met with the player’s representatives.

Arsene Wenger has been a long-term admirer of player in his search to replace Cesc Fabregas as the creative force in his team. However City would no doubt have the edge in this race due to their financial power.

But would Gotze want to leave Dortmund this summer? He’s already playing for one of the best sides in Europe who’re in the last four of the Champions League and play some of the best football around. He’s still only 20 so has plenty of time to play in other leagues, so personally I’d be very surprised if he was looking to move on at the end of the season.

Having already won the German title twice, featured for the national team and playing regularly at the imposing Signal Iduna Park, Gotze really does have the world at his feet.

I’d personally love to see Gotze playing in the Premier League. Have your say in the comment section below!