Gotze pleased with false nine spot

Germany starlet Mario Gotze has affirmed that he is happy to play in a more advanced role for the national team.

Gotze, 20, hit the net in the first half of their World Cup qualifying win over Kazakhstan on Friday evening with a smart finish from close range, doubling the away team’s advantage after Bastian Schweinsteiger had given Germany the lead.

Joachim Loew’s men eventually ran out 3-0 winners over the Group C strugglers in Astana, vindicating the coach’s decision to play Gotze in the false nine position in the absence of orthodox strikers such as Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose.

Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Gotze confirmed he had no problem appearing in the unfamiliar position, while adding that Low ultimately was the man responsible for team selection.

“(Playing false nine) is a lot of fun. But you have to ask the coach about that. It is a model to stay flexible. Everything in addition to that you should ask the coach,” the youngster told ZDF.

Fellow goalscorer Thomas Muller highlighted a job well done as Germany returned from the away fixture with maximum points.

“Three points, those are what remain (from this match). The first half was pretty good, in the second half there were some scenes we have to talk about. But that’s it,” he said.

Germany hold a five-point lead over nearest group challengers Sweden, having played one more game, after the Kazakhstan win meant they have picked up five victories from their opening five qualifying fixtures.