World Cup: Leroy Sane’s omission from travels to Russia is understandable

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Leroy Sane of Germany looks on during the International Friendly between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on November 10, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Leroy Sane of Germany looks on during the International Friendly between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on November 10, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Without Sane the is no loss in Low’s strategy. The importance of the team outweighs the value of one shining, young Premier League player.

The World Cup winning manager cannot be doubted in his selection. If there’s a manager who can brag they know their team, its Low.

Low will likely start either Ozil or Draxler on the left and have Reus as the backup. The Borussia Dortmund winger had a successful return from his long-term injury, scoring seven goals in 11 Bundesliga appearances. He is capable of operating in the central area and an accomplished crosser, which makes him the better alternate than Sane.

Sane’s breakthrough season came at the worst possible time as Germany is enjoying the deepest talent pool it ever has as Die Mannschaft cruised through the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup with a weakened squad that can still challenge for World Cup honours.

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The question of team selection becomes if a player can fit the team, rather than if he is good enough. Sane is good enough to deserve a national call-up, but he just can’t fit into the team.