By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- By beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-2, Borussia Dortmund has set a milestone in the German title race after five games without a victory. The Blacks and Yellows not only secured a three-point lead ahead of their closest rival Bayern Munich but also proved they can survive without their undisputed leader and top-scorer Marco Reus. Former wunderkind Mario Goetze is playing a vital role.
Not long ago, the 26-year-old seemed to have hit rock bottom, but has since fought his way back as he developed to one of the team's key performers. Against Leverkusen, the German World Cup hero scored the winning goal.
Only a few months ago, his future seemed in danger as he failed to be among Dortmund's first 18 after he wasn't selected several times for the side's game squad by coach Lucien Favre.
In spring 2019, Goetze has turned into one of Favre's cornerstones, having adopted a new role in the team and, perhaps more importantly, managing to start a new life as a footballer. "He feels football again," Favre commented.
Goetze had to learn he isn't any longer that nonchalant youngster continuously delivering spectacular moments, as he did in the past. He learned to fight and forget about his star-like status. He managed a re-launch because he accepted just to be a regular team member.
Goetze' story contains a fair amount of tragedy. It's the challenge of a lifetime to prove he can be more than a one-hit-wonder.
After scoring the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina (1-0) for Germany, the Bavarian-born forward seemed destined to become one of football's greatest stars. But the wunderkind had trouble meeting expectations and dealing with his new status.
He was just 22 years old but had to reinvent his career as a football professional.
Goetze had to go through a dark time after he joined Bayern as many Dortmund fans felt betrayed by their former hero. In Munich, Goetze added another unhappy chapter to his career in trying to find his way. After three unsuccessful years, he finally returned to Borussia, the club that turned him into a star.
The youngsters' difficult journey continued after he was sidelined due to a metabolic disorder.
With Favre joining the 2012 German Champions last summer, Goetze' situation worsened. He seemed to play no role in the Swiss' tactical system. It took some time to gain the coaches trust he emphasized. Goetze calls it a "process" to be "a playing nine up front as I am not a spearhead just waiting for passes in the box."
Against Leverkusen Goetze had the best figures when it comes to fast runs (85) and successful man-to-man duel's (31).
The unique star has turned into a regular worker, but still can rely on outstanding skills.
After the Bundesliga outfits gambled away the German Cup (7-5 to Werder Bremen) and seem without a realistic chance to proceed to the last-8 round of the Champions League after a 3-0 defeat in the first leg against Tottenham Hotspurs, only the national title is left.
To again lift the trophy after 2012 would mean a happy ending not only for Dortmund's young squad but for Goetze. The World Cup might be the most significant title in football, but to win the German Championship in 2019 would be just as valuable for a footballer with his background.
