Timo Werner: Leroy Sane can be Germany’s Kylian Mbappe

German striker Timo Werner believes Leroy Sane can transform into the country’s very own version of Kylian Mbappe. The Manchester City star endured a tough summer where he was excluded from Germany’s squad for the World Cup but he has since been recalled by Joachim Loew for the internationals against England and Peru.

Speaking to Bild, Werner spoke about the closeness with Sane from the youth setup and believes his compatriot has the ability to become a crucial player for the country just like France’s Mbappe, he said: “I’ve known him for a long time. I played with him at the under-19 European Championships and at youth level for a long time. I always got along with him really well, never had any problems — quite the opposite.

“He has always gone full throttle in matches. And it’s no coincidence he was named Young Player of the Year in England. Just like Mbappe, he can be a huge weapon with his pace and agility. I think he has what it takes to become a permanent fixture in the starting XI not only at Manchester City but also for us.”

Sane was named the PFA Young Player of the Year last term after contributing 10 goal and 15 assists during City’s record Premier League title but he has not quite replicated the feat this time around after failing to impress Pep Guardiola during pre-season. As such, he has failed to start a single game since the Community Shield clash against Chelsea but he has nevertheless earned the backing of the national team coach.

Sane was a late substitute during the recent goalless draw against France in the Nations League opener but he is not expected to feature against Peru on Sunday after leaving the team camp due to personal reasons. The attacker has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League this term and he was excluded from the matchday squad for City’s recent triumph over Newcastle United.

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