By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The upswing of Timo Werner is easing the load of challenges Joachim Loew faces on his way to the European Championships.
After joining Chelsea last summer, the 24-year-old has taken a significant step to playing at the highest international standard.
Werner's two latest goals for Germany, and eight goals in 12 Premier League games, seem to give evidence the German coach at least has found his ideal formation for his front line. However, defensive problems and tactical issues still remain.
The Blues forward looks to be the struggling coach's missing puzzle piece next to promising strikers such as Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry.
The remaining months might give the German coach enough time to concentrate on essential issues such as finding his favorite line-up in midfield and at the back.
While Werner claims to have made his way in the Premier League, having adjusted to a more robust style in a new league, the German coach seems confronted with the issue of having to over think his midfield formation.
After Leon Goretzka turned into a driving force in the Nations League encounter against Ukraine (3-1), it seems one option for Loew to consider is leaving out Real midfielder Toni Kroos and relying on Bayern Munich pair Joshua Kimmich and Goretzka.
Goretzka's promising performance has widened the German coach's options as it seems worthwhile to consider counting on Bayern's well-oiled midfield duo when it comes to next year's continental tournament.
When returning after his yellow card ban in Tuesday's Nations League duel against Spain, the pressure on Kroos has increased to deliver a satisfying performance. The three-time Champions League winner might have to fight for his position in Germany's first 11.
Loew meanwhile has to decide about his team's general approach by choosing between a 3-4-1-2 system and a traditional 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.
Loew's main objective is to stabilize the German weaknesses in defense after having conceded eight goals in the last four games.
Three center backs would give space for an additional offensive player but increases the demand for midfielders and strikers to enforce their defensive efforts. So far, Antonio Ruediger, Niklas Suele, and Matthias Ginter failed to prove they can carry out the job.
Having found his front-row, Loew claims to be optimistic regarding the Euros next year. Talking about the crucial encounter against Spain next Tuesday, the German manager is quietly confident of success.
"I see several developments in our game we can count on," the 60-year-old said after Germany regained the lead in their Nations League group. To have created a "group-final" against Spain is delivering a motivational boost, Loew said, speaking about an essential turning-point on the road to the Euro.
The game against Spain might deliver further hints of how consistent the rejuvenated German squad is and tell Loew what challenges remain on his to-do-list. Enditem
