Leon Goretzka

Key strength: Work rate

Box-to-box midfielder

Bayern Munich are mounting a fierce title charge, sitting 4th in the Bundesliga and riding the momentum of four wins in their last five matches. At the engine room of this resurgence stands Leon Goretzka, the 31-year-old German international wearing the iconic number 8 shirt. While teammates like Luis Díaz grab headlines with his 85-rated attacking brilliance, Goretzka's tireless box-to-box industry keeps the Bavarian machine humming. With 2 goals and 2 assists across 37 appearances this season—totaling 1,775 minutes of relentless running—the Bochum-born midfielder embodies the modern all-rounder. His €15 million market valuation belies his true importance: breaking up opposition attacks with intelligent positioning, then surging forward to bridge defense and attack. His balanced skillset—64-rated passing vision combined with 55 physical presence—allows him to dominate transitional moments where matches are won and lost. Goretzka's work rate remains Bayern's most reliable weapon, the unsung hero who enables the team's stars to shine. As the title race intensifies, his experience and endurance could prove decisive in Bayern's pursuit of silverware.