Manchester City's Leroy Sane is linked with a move to Bayern Munich, but what has the winger proved this season and what would he offer the Bundesliga champions?
The 23-year-old has been included in the Germany squad to face Belarus and Estonia in the European Qualifiers, live on Sky Sports, after a difficult third season in England.
Sane started only 21 games in the Premier League this season, having started 27 in 2017/18, with Pep Guardiola appearing to favour Riyad Mahrez for crucial Champions League games.
Bayern Munich have expressed interest in signing Sane but dismissed the current price tag as "insane", while City have tabled a deal to extend his contract. So in what areas does Sane excel?
Key stats & form
The graphic below reveals how Sane compares with team-mate Raheem Sterling, typically operating closer to the touchline and breaking less frequently into the opposition box.
While Sterling was awarded the FWA and PFA Young Player of the Year awards, it was Sane - one year his junior - who actually excelled in the stats per 90 minutes - surpassing the Englishman for shots, assists and big chances created.
One notable trait, which Guardiola may disapprove of, is his tendency to pass backwards after running into cul-de-sacs, often losing possession or claiming a throw-in when the opposition blocks exit routes.
David Silva typically looks to set Sane on his way, or the pair look for brisk exchanges, attempting 307 pass combinations in equal measure - as is the case with Fabian Delph, when the midfielder has been handed game time.
Sane's pace is without doubt his most deadly weapon, with his top speed of 35.18 km/h, recorded against Burnley in October, ranking as the fourth fastest burst in the Premier League this season.
In addition, the German's 19.49 sprints per 90 minutes ranks third in the top flight among players that clocked 1,000 minutes or more - although his average distance covered of just 9.61 km suggests he could cover more ground.
According to the Power Rankings, Sane's best performance in a City shirt was during the 4-0 win at West Ham in November, scoring two goals and assisting Sterling - but a four-month period of poor form ensued until April.
Alternative options
However, should City retain Sane this summer, then Football Whispers data provides a range of alternative players with similar skillsets - and it's quite an illustrious bunch.
The data ranks Sterling as being the closest fit to Sane and playing at a slightly higher level, with the next closest candidates being Juventus midfielder Paulo Dybala and former Southampton forward Dusan Tadic.
iunderstandl
73
Sane is actually really strong in the air. Not as strong as Ronaldo, no, but who is? As I said, from the Young Players Sane is the most Ronaldo-like. In terms of wingers? Perisic, Mane this season, Arnautovic, Antonio. Can’t think of many others. Perisic has the closest technique and skill set as Ronaldo. Obviously nowhere near as good
PV7
48
look at his pose😂😂😂😂