Mario Gomez thread

[Trim]

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

[Oliver_Kahn]

And he definitely deserves it, one of the best German players atm. Plus, he can score, Kuranyi wastes too much

[Trim]

Top class striker, very efficient. He's the best German striker currently (at the moment), even better than Miro Klose.

[Stephan]

I think he'll most likely be one of the main two starters at the euro cup games in June.

[Trim]

Ballack Blames Bayern For Gomez's Euro Flop

Germany captain and former Bayern Munich star Michael Ballack has criticsed the Bavarian giants for their public pursuit of his compatriot Mario Gomez, implying that it has affected his form at Euro 2008...

Gomez has emerged as one of Germany's best young talents over the past two seasons with VfB Stuttgart and was tipped to shine at Euro 2008 - his first major international tournament - only to go three games without scoring and generally not looking himself in front of goal.

His most embarrassing moment came against Austria, where a ball bobbled up in front of him and he failed to make a proper connection, spooning the ball over the bar two yards from an open goal.

Going into the tournament his record at international level was an exceptional six goals in 10 games, it has now been 13 and the striker will be hoping he is afforded a second chance, though he is unlikely to play a part in the remainder of their Euro campaign, which continues tomorrow with their semi-final against Turkey.

Team-mate and captain Ballack has empathised with the player, suggesting that Bayern Munich's interest in the player has put him off his game.

"I certainly find it odd negotiations are taking place during the European Championship. That is not good for the player and disturbs concentration," he insisted.

"I have always had the view that I have done something before or after a tournament, so that you don't have to be busy with it during the tournament."

Goal.com - Euro 2008 - Ballack Blames Bayern For Gomez's Euro Flop

[BlackNess]

I agree, the whole pursuit of Gomez was a big mistake from the board ..... it affected Podolski's extension and probably Gomez's concentration on the field for the NT.

But Ballack is not the person to criticize FC Bayern ....