Low: Gomez will return to his best
Germany national coach Joachim Low has backed striker Mario Gomez to make a return to form for both club and country in the near future.
By FOX Sports Staff
Gomez missed the start of the Bundesliga season after he was sidelined for nearly three months following an ankle surgery.
The German international has thus far found it hard to command a place in Bayern's first-team, with Bavarian giants' summer signing Mario Mandzukic doing well in the lone striker role up front, scoring 12 goals in 17 league appearances for the club this season.
However, Low, who recalled Gomez to the national squad for their upcoming friendly against France believes Gomez has the ability to usurp Mandzukic's place in the first-team and backed the 27-year-old to make a positive impact for both club and country.
"I am convinced that, given his qualities and his experience, he will be able to prove himself again at the highest international level," Low was quoted saying on Fifa.com.
"Mario Gomez is back in a good physical condition after his long injury.
"Like Miroslav Klose, he has everything needed to put our philosophy into practice in the centre forward's role."
Low also revealed that Hamburg custodian Rene Adler would start the game against France ahead of usual first choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
"Rene played an excellent first half of the season in the Bundesliga," Low added.
"After returning to our squad to face the Netherlands, he has now earned the chance to prove himself against France.
"In March, we will then put our faith in Manuel Neuer again for the decisive World Cup qualifying games. He is still our clear number one."
The 52-year-old added that he was impressed with the way France coach Didier Deschamps had transformed the team since he took over from Laurent Blanc in the middle of last year.
"France are on their way back to their former best and, for me, they are among the best in the world," Low declared.
"They impressed me a lot in their last two away games against Spain and Italy and you can clearly identify the signature of their coach Didier Deschamps.
"I rate him very highly since he loves quick, attacking football, just like I do."
Gomez made seven appearances for Bayern this season and has scored two goals in the process.