Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez is staking his claim to replace Kevin Kuranyi as Miroslav Klose’s partner in attack for Germany.
A year ago Gomez announced his arrival on the international scene with a flying headed goal against Switzerland on his German debut. On Wednesday he will be looking for a repeat performance as he seeks to play his way into Joachim Löw’s first XI for this summer’s European Championships.
The Stuttgart forward has scored 4 goals in 8 international appearances for Germany and has hit 15 goals in 19 Bundesliga appearances this season making him the most in-form German striker at the present moment.
The pressure is now on Bundestrainer Joachim Löw to pick him on Wednesday for the Switzerland game ahead of Schalke’s Kevin Kuranyi.
“His development has been enormous” Löw admitted. “That is down in large part to his personality.
“We have a number of options but I don’t want to put them in a ranked order. Each of them has different qualities and all have a chance” he added.
Team manager Oliver Bierhoff is also a big fan of the VfB hit-man.
“He has had his difficult times at Stuttgart this season, but he has continued scoring goals. There are a number of clubs keeping a very close eye on him.”
Gomez however is making no demands over his selection.
“I’m not going to start demanding anything” he admitted. “Of course all four strikers want to play” he added.
Goal.com - Germany - Gomez Stakes His Claim