Timo Werner may not be able to save Stuttgart from the drop, but there is enough evidence to suggest the 19 year old will be plying his trade at the top end of leagues come next season. THT has the scouting report on the German sensation.
There has been a change in the German footballing portrait over the last 4-5 years, with youngsters now much more exciting and ethical on the eye and Werner follows this very trend. Quick and pacy, with immaculate close control and a hunger to succeed, Werner has earner numerous suitors in what has been a below par campaign for both the player and his team. Liverpool, Tottenham and the forever keen Arsenal remain, well, keen on the player who might look for greener pastures if and when Stuttgart end up in the second tier of German football. Here’s a look at what makes Werner the special talent that he is.
Finishing
Finishing is probably not one of Timo’s strongest assets. A goal tally of 4 goals in each of his last 2 seasons probably is a good indicator of the fact that he’s not a readymade goalscorer. Not yet anyway. On the rare occasions he has started as a striker up front, he hasn’t managed to find the net and thus operates as a wide man in a 3-pronged attack at the Mercedes Benz Arena, with lesser goalscoring responsibility. His conversion rate in front of goal is a measly 7% highlighting what Timo should look to improve at the earliest. Also a little more confidence and maybe selfishness will help, because what he can’t do at club level he does for fun at the U-19 international level(9 goals in 10 games).
Score: 6/10
Passing
This is where it gets interesting for the 19 year old German. Very comfortable on the ball, Timo has the habit of bringing others in play and thus probably expects the same in return by providing a constant outlet(more on that later). Playing higher up the pitch, in a system that favours quicker buildups, it’s understandable that the attackers don’t get many touches of the ball. Timo Werner however makes roughly 16 successful passes a game with a 70% success rate. What is a little worrying is the fact that when playing out-wide, especially on the left his crossing can be a little futile, often not meeting their target(1 completed cross every 4 games), another example he is more of a wide forward than a traditional winger. He does have a couple of assists registered to his name and does participate in neat and quick interplay around the box. With an upgrade on his teammates, his passing and crossing might really begin to shine.
Score: 7/10
Pace and Movement
Pace is what defines attackers in the modern game and Timo Werner is blessed with gallons of pace. Quick on the turn with exceptional burst of pace, Timo has the perfect ace up his locker to get past defences and defenders and through on goal. His pace comes especially handy while counter-attacking, making a 3v2 situation, a 4v2 within a matter of seconds, by bursting forward from deep and joining the attack. There is also an intelligence about the teenager, making the shortest possible diagonal run thus evading his marker with ease. Thanks to his pace, Timo can drag defenders wide and out of position for his fellow attackers to exploit. Too bad there aren’t many at Vfb to do the same, another reason why he should move away from Stuttgart at the earliest.
Score: 8.5/10
Aerial Duels
For a player who is 180 cms tall with a strong physique, Timo Werner gets rather bullied off in the air. Just turned 19, it can probably be excused that he is usually second to most long balls played to him in or around the middle of the park. In the wide areas however he is much better, outjumping opponent fullbacks. What he needs to improve on, like his former coach Armin Veh noted, is his understanding of his physical stature. Only then would it be possible to put himself in far more winnable position not just aerially but in physical duels against stronger defenders. Greater upper body strength would be a good place to start.
Score: 7/10
Work Rate
As is the case with most youngsters looking to make it big, there is a hunger and desire about Timo. His desire to get involved in the game and make attacking runs in the opposition half, sees him drop very deep looking to win the ball. Averaging almost one successful tackle every game and one successful interception every 3 games, the German U-19 star is a tireless worker with good dribbling skills, helping him wriggle out of tight spots in the defensive half.
Score: 7.5/10
VERDICT
Timo Werner is already a big fish in the small Stuttgart pond and needs to move
Timo Werner turned 19 last month and could very well be relegated next month in what has been an eventful yet short professional career for the German. While national team calls-ups have been a part of gossip columns alone, Timo has lots to improve before being truly worthy of an international cap. Touted as the next Thomas Muller, Wener does a pack a punch with his pace. With Dortmund and Liverpool amongst the interested parties, it’s safe to assume Timo will be competing at the highest level come next season. What he does with that opportunity is however anybody’s guess.