The 20-year-old is in the 'Up-and-coming group' behind Christian Pulisic (Dortmund), Thomas Müller (Bayern), Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg) and Serge Gnabry (Bremen). The two Bayern wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery plus Dortmund's Ousmane Dembelé are the only players named in the 'International class'.
The Kicker assessment of Julian Brandt reads: "Brandt, with his seven assists at the the Rio Olympics, played a key role in securing the silver medal for Germany. The quick technician has now found his feet in the league. Ever stronger since matchday ten with his goals and assists." Karim Bellarabi, who took third spot in the 'International' class in the summer of 2016, has not been considered this time round as he missed the whole of the first half of the season due to injury.
In the 'Strikers' category Chicharito was named amongst 'The prospects'. Kevin Volland is missing from the rankings due to a broken hand and muscle injury that has severely limited his number of appearances.
A first win in the preseason: In the last friendly before the start of a two-week break in training, the Bayer 04 Women beat top-flight Dutch side Ajax 1-0. In the match played over three 30-minute thirds Vanessa Fudalla scored the goal for the Werkself. In the previous two friendlies this summer, the team led by head coach Roberto Pätzold lost 2-0 two Bundesliga rivals TSG Hoffenheim and drew 1-1 with the Dutch team PEC Zwolle.
Show moreAlejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.
Show moreThe friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team on Friday, 18 July (kick-off: 14:30/19:30 CEST) represents the sporting highlight of the current Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Ahead of the clash at the Estádio da Gávea against the highly successful youth team, there was a media event with the two Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes plus head coach Erik ten Hag. The trio talked about the forthcoming opponents, first impressions of Brazil and the reasons for holding the training camp in the land of the five-time World Cup winners. Here are the key statements.
Show moreDay three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).
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