By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Freund praises Goretzka: "Leon is an absolute top player"

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has sung the praises of Leon Goretzka.
After a rough start to the season, Leon Goretzka has battled his way back into the German national team and regained his starting spot in Bayern Munich's central midfield.

Speaking to Kicker, Bayern's sporting director, Christoph Freund, has praised the midfielder for his footballing qualities and mentality.

"Leon is an absolute top player, which he has proven over many years at the highest level," Freund told the German football magazine.

"In the last few weeks, he has marched ahead with his strong performances in various positions, even with a broken hand - that shows his great mentality.

"Leon is a leader who always leads the way on the pitch and always takes responsibility, even in difficult situations.

"He is a box-to-box player, very strong on the run, technically adept, who threatens with his speed in the penalty area and always looks to score himself," said the Bayern boss.

Goretzka, 28, joined Bayern in 2018 and is under contract until 2026.

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