Branyan Gruda's loan move from Brighton & Hove Albion to RB Leipzig in the January transfer window was made with the World Cup in mind.
The 21-year-old also admitted, stating back in february The summer tournament was firmly in his thinking.
That plan now sounds like a masterstroke. In seven games so far for Leipzig, Gruda has scored three goals and two assists.
Gruda produced his best performance for Leipzig on Friday night, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 5–0 demolition of Hoffenheim. And this was enough to convince Didi Hamann that Gruda should be in Julian Nagelsmann's plans.
"Gruda is definitely someone you should think about. I believe he will win the World Cup." he told Sky Germany.
"He's technically talented, two-footed and he has pace. I think Gruda is a player we don't have. I'm a big fan of his."
leipzig responsibility
The former Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder believes the move to Leipzig is largely responsible for Bjarna Gruda's improved performances.
He had struggled to settle at Brighton, particularly under Fabian Herzeler. For example, this season, he made 18 appearances in the Premier League but only 896 minutes.
That is not the case under Ole Werner at Leipzig. Instead he immediately installed Gruda as the results starter and was rewarded for his faith. Hamann also believes that the atmosphere at his loan club is good for him.
"When I heard he was leaving Brighton my first thought was that he might still be able to make the World Cup squad," He added.
"It seems that the atmosphere in Leipzig is being good for him."
nagelsman unaffiliated
However, Julian Nagelsmann is not convinced. He has recently criticized the 21-year-old's development and wants to see more from him.
"Ultimately, it's about him scoring more goals and providing more assists. For his quality, it's still not enough," He said. The Germany coach was not impressed with the Brighton man in his last call-up before Euro 2024.
At that moment he realized "He didn't fully realize he had a chance to be a part of the domestic European Championships.".
Therefore, Gruda remains in the U21 national team. But after his performance against Hoffenheim, he is confident about his chances. "With good performance, all doors are open," He said.
There will be more demonstrations like that and perhaps he and Haman will be proven right.
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