Sam making waves in Leverkusen
Munich - Bayer 04 Leverkusen's club record start to the season was beyond the imagination of many, but taking a closer look, disecting the details, one element emerges effervescently: . The sensational form of the 25-year-old arguably makes him the division’s best player so far.
Joint top scorer
The Kiel-born attacking player was in and out of the Leverkusen team last season, but has been an ever-present this term, becoming an integral part of a front trio that also revolves around last season's league top scorer and summer recruit .
Sam has already found the net more often than he did in the entire 2012/13 season and currently sits joint top of the scoring charts with six goals from the opening eight matches. It's not only his eye for goal that has improved, however: Sam has also provided four assists so far this campaign – more than any other Leverkusen player – highlighting his overall value to die Werkself.
“I’ve become more experienced and I’m now feeling really happy in Leverkusen,” enthused Sam. He's not the only happy one. “I don’t know what Sidney did during the summer, but he’s been doing very well since pre-season,” head coach Sami Hyypiä told der Tagesspiegel. Hyypiä will be hoping Sam, whose last goal came in Leverkusen's draw with FC Bayern München on Matchday 8, can pick up where he left off in the league following the international break.
Löw comes calling
His recent displays for his club have not gone unnoticed by head coach Joachim Löw either. Sam made his international debut in Germany's friendly win over Ecuador in May and the left-footer has now been recalled to thefor their upcoming qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden.
With fierce competition for places in his position, Sam may have to settle for a bit-part role in Joachim Löw's side for the time being. If he keeps up his current form for Leverkusen, however, it would take a brave man to bet against him securing his place on the 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
