World Cup watch: Germany and RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner
Germany are bidding to win the FIFA World Cup for a record-equalling fifth time this summer, and become the first nation to win back-to-back crowns since Brazil in 1962.
Who is he?
Happily, the reigning world champions appear to have found their rightful heir to record goalscorer Miroslav Klose in RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.
Klose's international retirement following Germany's 2014 FIFA World Cup win left head coach Joachim Löw with a serious conundrum, but Werner has solved the riddle. The Leipzig man has scarcely been out of the side since making his international debut in March 2017, plundering eight goals in 14 appearances, and claiming the top scorer's prize at the FIFA 2017 Confederations Cup.
What position does he play?
Werner’s club form is no less arresting. The 22-year-old helped himself to 21 goals in 2016/17 - a best-mark for a German national - a further 13 in 2017/18 and a combined tally of seven in Europe. A man for the history books, the VfB Stuttgart academy product is also the Bundesliga's youngest player to score a brace – one of many feats achieved at his boyhood club, before the age of 19.
A forward rather than a classic No.9, Werner comes alive when given a ball to chase. A nuisance on the counter and menace on the shoulder of the last man, he’s always looking to get on the end of that killer pass.
Watch: The turbo-charged story of Timo Werner
What was is role in qualifying?
Werner played in three of Germany’s six qualifiers. He made a substitute appearance against San Marino, before scoring in the 2-1 win over Czech Republic and helping himself to a brace in the 6-0 rout of Norway.
What to look for in Russia
The focal point of the Germany attack, Werner has to be considered a prime candidate to scoop the Golden Boot. His rocket-fuelled pace will catch a lot of teams off guard, and he doesn’t mess around in front of goal - especially in one-on-ones.
What they’re saying
"He will dominate the attack for Germany for the next 10 years. He’ll likely do the same in Europe. He’s level-headed and does a fantastic job. We need someone like an in-form Timo if we want to be world champions." - Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez
"If he continues as he is, I believe he will have a great career in the national side. He has the potential to be world class" - Löw