According to Evening Standard, West Ham are among clubs monitoring Mario Gotze. The Hammers are keeping tabs on the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, especially with the Bundesliga set to resume next weekend. Gotze is widely tipped to leave Dortmund in the summer, following the end of his contract. That means he will be available as a free agent, although West Ham United could face stiff competition from Everton and even Liverpool.
Mario Gotze’s decline at BVB
Gotze initially rejoined Borussia Dortmund back in 2016, in a €22 million move from Bayern Munich. But, the German international never really managed to rekindle his old form, primarily due to a metabolic illness that kept him on the sidelines for a considerable amount of time.
As a result, Gotze has moved down the pecking order over the years, especially under current coach Lucien Favre. While the ex-Bayern star did feature in 26 matches last season, he has been involved in only 501 minutes of league football this term. The summer arrivals of players like Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt has unsurprisingly affected Gotze’s overall game-time, it seems.
And given the playmaker’s decline under Favre, he will likely call an end to his time at Signal Iduna Park this summer, when his contract expires.
What can he bring to the table?
Gotze’s game hasn’t really improved since joining Bayern Munich back in 2013. But while the illnesses and injuries have affected his overall speed and dynamism, the player has become much more versatile. In fact, the German international can now play anywhere across the final third including the number nine slot. He can even operate as a central midfielder.
Aside from his versatility, Gotze is known for his clever footwork and effective passing. He can create chances in the attacking third using quick link-ups and well-timed passes – making him an excellent source of creativity.
West Ham are among clubs monitoring Mario Gotze: How does he fit in under David Moyes?
Gotze’s versatility could serve as a boon for David Moyes if the Borussia Dortmund star does join West Ham this summer. He can be deployed in several roles, thus giving the Scottish manager more tactical options at his disposal.
The most likely option would be to employ Gotze as an attacking midfielder, just behind the main striker Sebastien Haller. But, the German can also be considered as a back-up for wingers like Andriy Yarmolenko and Felipe Anderson.
Gotze can even operate as an alternative for Mark Noble in the double-pivot, alongside Declan Rice. His technical prowess and fluidity will combine well with the more robust nature of the English international, thus adding another dimension to West Ham midfield.
