Germany vs Sweden, World Cup 2018: How Marco Reus adapted his game to help Germany win, scouting report

For the first time in his nine year international career Mesut Ozil has not started in a major tournament, ending a run of 26 consecutive matches at European Championships and World Cups.

The shoes to fill were big, and Marco Reus, by contrast, started his first ever game in a World Cup.

Reus was named in Germany’s provisional squad for the 2014 tournament after one of his best seasons at Borussia Dortmund, but had to withdraw due to another injury, a problem that has tainted his glittering career.

Joachim Low has recently described Reus being like “a rocket” and says he has all the attributes of a top player. “He is incredibly skilful, intelligent as a player and can always surprise his opponent,” the German manager explained. “It all seems so, so easy for him but it comes from his exceptional timing. He is an extremely good passer and an outstanding finisher.”

With the manager’s vote of confidence behind him, Reus, and Low, were keen to put questions of Leroy Sane’s omission behind them.

Against Mexico Germany lacked an explosive player, take Reus for example, to offer something different in midfield other than another playmaker.

Reus wasted no time against Sweden in his mission to impress and looked lively in the opening exchanges, but did was not on the ball often enough. He played across the three behind Timo Werner and had no luck on either wing or through the middle. At half time he had not completed a key pass, dribble or even taken a shot. Of course that was largely down to slight misfortune given the flow of the game, but the best players make sure they are the centre of attention.

Sweden’s 4-4-2 kept things compact and offered Germany very little room in behind. Reus had to adapt.

Instead of looking for space behind the defence that did not exist, he started making late runs into the box to optimise his speed, intelligence and evade Sweden’s tight marking.

This renewed approach spared Germany’s blushed and he scored shortly after half time to draw the game level. Werner picked the ball up on the left wing and fizzed a low cross into the box. His delivery flew past a crowd of players at the front post and was heading safely to a Ludwig Augustinsson. Before the defender could clear the danger, Reus steams into the action and fired Germany back into the game.

It was some way for his to mark his World Cup debut, although you imagine the celebrations in the Reus household will be as short lived as his brief fist pump to the crowd.

One goal nearly became two when Reus failed to convert Joshua Kimmich’s low cross. Reus used Mario Gomez as a decoy and attacked the front post, only to mistime his attempted fancy flick. You feel a slightly more conventional connection sees that go in, but it was further evidence of his renewed approach working.

Presuming Germany qualify, and they will need an favour from Mexico to do so, Reus will emerge as a key player for the world champions, especially when they begin to play more adventurous teams.

A deep lying defence only allows Reus to express a fraction of his talent, but when Germany come up against a side that like to push higher, he will provide the explosive alternative to a midfield that uses a strict process to get the ball forward.

If World Cups were awarded for patience and perseverance Marco Reus would be a clear favourite to win. Germany’s chances of winning the tournament have twice been knocked by Mexico and Sweden, but if the can find a way through their group, getting the best out of Reus will go a long way to determining Germany’s success.