Leroy Sane is back in form

Manchester City and Germany winger Leroy Sane enjoyed a sensational campaign last season. However, Germany boss Joachim Low omitted the youngster from his Germany squad for the World Cup.

His omission was a shock considering his stellar league form. The snub led to question marks about Sane’s attitude and even work rate.

At the beginning of the season City boss Pep Guardiola used the former Schalke sparingly. However, an injury to City left-back Benjamin Mendy saw a change in formation, which gave Sane his chance to shine on the City left.

He has done just that in recent weeks, culminating in a brace on Wednesday night to help the Citizens defeat German side Hoffenheim 2-1 in the Champions League. The goals ensured City finished top of their group.

Sane’s form has turned around in recent weeks

The brace on Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium did not come as much of a surprise, as Sane’s form in the Premier League has been strong of late. In fact, in his last five league starts, he has produced four goals and four assists.

Those numbers look a lot like the numbers that the German international produced last season when he played a big part in the Citizens running away with the title. Sane’s general form is also good, not just his goal or assists output either.

Needs to stay focused

Sane has a lot of talent and maybe sometimes the game comes too easy to him. Some have accused him of lacking focus, which is not great for a player at a club that expects to win the big trophies.

Maybe his time out of the team at the beginning of the season has helped him refocus. Boss Pep Guardiola has a knack of getting the best out of players. Knowing the way Guardiola operates criticising Sane and dropping him was an obvious kick up the backside for the German.

Guardiola will not stand for complacency or laziness. Sane seems to have upped his workrate and he is now getting the rewards for the improvement, as has his team. Sane is looking like he is back to the player who scored ten goals and produced 15 assists in the Premier League last season.

If he can maintain his current form and attitude, then Sane will in for another fine season. Sane has the potential to become an even better player, but how good he becomes will depend on the German himself.

City needs Sane at his best

Manchester City now look to be in a right royal battle with Liverpool to retain their top-flight crown. City are now odds of 4/11 to win the title, so still massive favourites. However, Liverpool are currently top and look to have improved in the weak areas of recent seasons.

For me, when on song Manchester City are still light years ahead of Liverpool. However, Pep Guardiola’s side needs their top players to be on their game, with Sane falling into the category of top player.

Some will say the likes of Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero are City’s top players. However, what Sane showed last season was that he could be a top player and he could perform when his team needed him the most.

Leroy Sane has such potential and he now looks in good form. While boss Guardiola loves to rotate his squad, the German could be a vital player for his team between now and the end of the campaign, as long he focuses and works hard.

Can Leroy Sane better last season’s numbers?