When Goretzka joined Bayern from Schalke in 2018, he was widely regarded as a new-generation midfielder capable of operating in virtually any central role.
Peter Neururer, who coached Goretzka at his local club Bochum, described him at the age of 18 as a “talent that appears once in a century.” During the 2010s, his potential seemed almost limitless.
Although he has generally played as a number six, frequently partnering close friend Joshua Kimmich for both Bayern and Germany, Goretzka has also filled in at centre-back and operated as a number 10 when required.
Playing just behind the striker allowed Goretzka to demonstrate his goalscoring ability.
His intelligent runs and physical presence made him a significant aerial threat when attacking crosses.
Those qualities sometimes gave him an advantage in team selection as competition for places in central midfield intensified.
For instance, Goretzka re-established himself as an important figure for Germany in March and June 2025, earning a place in Nagelmann’s starting side during the Nations League finals.
Nevertheless, opportunities for him to make such an impact have become less frequent in recent seasons.
Fitness problems have affected Goretzka since his early career, making it impossible to know how high his level might have risen during his twenties.
While he rarely sustained major injuries, recurring physical issues disrupted him for several years and often occurred at particularly unfortunate moments.
Goretzka appeared to reach his peak during the 2020-21 campaign after helping Bayern win the Champions League in the pandemic-affected season.
However, rather than leading Germany’s midfield at the 2021 European Championship, he missed the opening group match while continuing to recover from a hamstring problem.
His sole appearance in the starting side came against England at Wembley in the round of 16.
Whenever he was healthy, Goretzka remained a regular starter for Bayern until Kompany took charge in 2024. Even after spending the opening months among the substitutes, he managed to earn his way back into the first team.
Ultimately, the rise of Aleksandar Pavlovic, a Munich native developed through Bayern’s academy, left Goretzka with a diminished role at the club.
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