Timo Time is here again
Timo Werner has been oft-criticized over the past year for the things that many pundits and fans think that he's incapable of doing.
Some will shout that Werner is not big enough or not physical enough to truly be an impact striker. Others will will allege that Werner does not have exquisite skill and creativity that some desire from their No.9.
None of that matters though, as all Werner is doing is using his electrifying speed, excellent timing, and tremendous scoring ability to decimate any opponent who dares to step to attempt to stop him.
The Resurgence
Werner has been electric in re-establishing himself as one of the premier strikers in the Bundesliga. With his brace during Leipzig's 4-1 win over Mainz last weekend, Werner upped his league total to 10 goals (12 overall), which places him in a tie for second place in the league with Marco Reus, Robert Lewandowski, and Luka Jovic, who all sit behind league leader Paco Alcacer, who has 11 goals.
Werner's blazing pace makes him an extremely difficult match-up for most defenders, but the timing of his runs off the ball has been phenomenal of late. In addition, the 22-year old is physically stronger than most will give him credit for and has explosiveness to his movements that give him a decided advantage against his opposition.
As the centerpiece of Leipzig's attack, Werner is getting the opportunity to flash just how dangerous he is this season after that was an up-and-down 2017/2018 campaign that saw Leipzig take several steps back as a team. Surely the year was unfulfilling for Werner personally, but the dynamo is getting a chance to show his exact quality this season.
A Fresh Start with Germany
Werner came under fire as Germany faltered in the World Cup last summer, but in truth, Werner was the least of Germany's concern. Able to shift between striker and wing, Werner displayed the pace and ability to make Die Mannschaft dangerous, but the squad's inherent issues and coaching failures ultimately led to one of the great disappointments of Germany's World Cup legacy.
Despite a solid showing in Russia personally, Werner has been lumped in with group that was seen as part of the problem. As the national team moves forward, however, Jogi Low will continue to feature Werner and depend more and more on the striker for production.
Future Planning
With Leipzig unexpectedly and unceremoniously bounced from the Europa League, Werner will get his chance to focus on wreaking havoc on the Bundesliga from this point forward. Leipzig's only mission should be to secure a top four position, which will be difficult as it prepares to do battle with league leader Borussia Dortmund and other contenders such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Monchengladbach, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Hoffenheim. Hoffenheim, of course, features Julian Nagelsmann, who is in his final year with the club before moving over to Leipzig for the 2019/2020 season.
The possibilities for how Nagelsmann will deploy Werner as a weapon are endless, but will Werner still be there to link up with the coaching prodigy? With Bayern Munich allegedly interested in Werner and clubs from Spain and England also in the mix, it is conceivable that Werner will finally move on from Leipzig.
With a contract ending in 2020, this would be the key summer for Leipzig to sell Werner before he can leave for free. As Werner continues to light up the opposition, it can only bode well for Leipzig's bank account or its internal planning on continuing to build around Werner.
Either way, Leipzig stands to make a killing, while Werner keeps showing everyone just how effective he can be.
