Leroy Sanne - rough diamonds
Leroy Sanne - rough diamonds
When Pep Guardiola succeed Manuel Pellegrini and studied composition Catalan opened large holes that must be filled - to strengthen protection and to add physical strength in midfield. On paper, the attack is fine, but the manager did not hesitate to ask a player who already has long been monitored by scouts of the club. The German international fits perfectly to his plans. So City game firmly in negotiations with Schalke 04, who initially did not want to part with a player whose contract is up in June 2019-a.
In this spirit was twice an extension of his contract in the spring, which now seems a waste of time. The transfer still seemed inevitable, and the effort of Schalke 04 is a good amount. With bonuses, it could reach a maximum of 40 million. Pounds.
It will take some time to assess whether Sanne them deserves. He's raw diamond that needs polishing. But as we know from downtime Guardiola at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, this is the favorite pastime of the coach. In Gelsenkirchen he shone quite mediocre background - the team was defeated by Shakhtar Donetsk from the earliest eliminations in the Europa League and the Bundesliga finished 36 points behind Bayern last season.
Surely matches against the team of Guardiola consolidate the good impressions in Catalan. In the first match Sanne assisted by Max Mayer 1: 0, but the Bavarians turned to 3: 1, and the second single was distinguished in classical lost 0: 3. "Leroy is a huge talent - said Guardiola, even as he was in Munich. - I can only envy the Germans for him. "
His talent was apparent from the very first steps. In the 112-year history of Schalke 04 will more memorable European debut than that of Sanne of "Bernabeu" in March 2015 a. When the total score became 1: 3 (0: 2 in the first game), Roberto Di Matteo replaced the injured Choupo Moting with Sanne only half an hour.
Real seemed untouchable until now, but the thirst for expression teenager was not provided. With its entry Schalke 04 received fresh impetus and reached the 4: 3 - after transferring fantastic shot from about 20 meters and a major role in the second goal Huntelaar. Schalke 04 needs one more goal to reach sensation and Sanne nearly put him in the network of Iker Casillas. Kralskosinite dropped, but Leroy soon established itself in the composition, and a week later scored his first goal in the Bundesliga against Hertha.
For enviable athleticism Leroy has an easy explanation. His father, Suleiman has played 55 matches as a striker and Senegal became a legend of Vatenshayd and his mother Regina Weber has a bronze medal from the Olympics in 1984 - no other German gymnast has not won one in history. Both of his brothers are also players, but it is apparent that Leroy is special. Many believe he will be the main figure of the next generation, which would be a real feat in this influx of talent in the country.
The strongest feature is its universality that Guardiola will try to use. Played mostly on the right side Schalke 04, which allows him to come inside and shoot with his strong left foot, he also can play left and behind the attacker. His desire to help out in the defensive action is also commendable, and this makes it ideal for high press, loved by Pep.
After inviting him for the first time in Bundestima earlier this year, Joachim Loew said: "Everyone sees huge potential." Coach let him go only for 10 minutes in the semifinals of Euro 2016 against France. Guardiola challenge now is to help this rare talent to unfold.