The last international was one that hurt. The 2-0 defeat against Austria in Vienna on 21 November 2023 was the last time that Leon Goretzka was in the starting line-up. It was his 57th and, until now, last appearance for the German national team. The 30-year-old was overlooked by coach Julian Nagelsmann for last year's European Championship. Now, after very strong performances for FC Bayern, Goretzka is back in the national team. Nagelsmann has selected the midfielder for the upcoming meeting with Italy in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Goretzka has "earned" his recall, emphasised the Germany coach after a "clear conversation" and a meeting. "He's battled well out of a very difficult period and is playing a leading role again. We've always had a good relationship, he's a very reflective, clever player who can evaluate things well," continued Nagelsmann.
"You always have two options: either you stop working or you just keep going and give it a try," praised Vincent Kompany recently. "Eventually the moment comes where you play here or somewhere else - but you're ready. And that's exactly what happened with Leon. He's always kept fighting." Particularly in the Champions League, the Bayern head coach has constantly relied on his defensive enforcer. Goretzka has started in seven out of eight European matches this season, only missing against Bratislava because of suspension.
'Very good spell on the pitch'
"The crucial point with every player is that we assess them in sporting terms: do they deserve to be there or not?" explained Nagelsmann. "And then there are always a few other issues after this sporting assessment. I think Leon is having a very good spell on the pitch, he's playing a very good season and I think he's also developed well in the odd area. He had a very difficult phase at Bayern, just as he did with us in the national team. He fought his way out of it well. He plays a key role. He's found a good middle way between being an attacking goal threat, but also a good position in the build-up play. Basically, he fits in very well with the idea of how we want to play."
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