Max Kruse returns

Like every German, Max Kruse saw the pictures of Germany winning their fourth World Cup in Brazil over the summer break.

There must have been a part of Kruse, however, that was frustrated at being discarded by national team coach Joachim Löw on the eve of the tournament. The reasons are unclear - rumors of ill discipline have done the rounds - but Löw was vindicated in his decision in the end.

Even so, the 26-year-old can count himself hard done by. His spot at the World Cup was almost guaranteed for the Borussia Mönchengladbach forward with 12 goals and 12 assists last season for his club side. But, the call wasn't forthcoming in May 2014.

Kruse's alternative, while his team-mates coldly calculated their World Cup domination at Campo Bahia in Brazil, was to take part in the Poker equivalent in Las Vegas. He didn't do too badly, either: Kruse finished third and bagged a tidy sum of $36,494 (28,590 euros).

But three months on, and the chance of redemption has come around for Kruse. He maintains there are no problems between him and coach Löw after missing out on a place at the World Cup. Löw seems of the same opinion.

"We have always said that Max has skills that can enhance our qualities in attack," Germany's World Cup-winning coach said at the official squad announcement last week.

"At the World Cup we had other plans, but that has nothing to do with his basic qualities. He has consistently played well with Gladbach in their excellent start to the season, so he has deserved another chance."

Foals on Fire

Kruse underwent an operation in the summer after feeling serious abdominal pains, keeping him out of the first few weeks of the new season. He returned to the starting eleven on the third weekend of the season, as Lucien Favre's fast-and-ferocious attacking team thumped Schalke 4-1.

It has been an upward curve since then with Kruse strengthening Gladbach's four-pronged attack, bringing his usual variation of power and dynamism to the fore. So far in five games he's managed three goals and two assists.

In the wave of smaller and more dynamic front men to appear in the latest evolution of the game, Kruse offers an interesting juxtaposition. He has strong skills on the ball, but is fairly chunky and well-built in his upper-body not blessed with searing speed.

But the magic lies in Kruse's left-foot. His technique and appreciation of the ball is of the highest standard. Whether it's a defense-splitting pass, or a pile-driver into the top corner, Kruse, arguably, is one of the most technically proficient left-footed players in Germany’s top flight.

Take the opening goal against Mainz last weekend. The pass from Fabian Johnson looked a tough one to bring under control due to the close proximity of the US winger, but one touch from Kruse's standing right-foot and the other from his left saw the ball nestle in the top right-hand corner.

Returning to the fold

It's that kind of straightforwardness which makes Kruse an attractive option now for Löw, even with his array of attacking options already in the team. The opportunities for a more direct forward - in a squad also containing talisman Miroslav Klose - at the World Cup were somewhat limited.

When, or if, Germany struggles to break down a team like Georgia, Scotland or Ireland in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, Kruse is an excellent second-option from the bench. Löw would then have to shuffle his team from a style which is basically 'strikerless,' to one with a serious focal point.

Following Klose's retirement from international football, Kruse might just find himself a cemented slot in Löw's thinking.