Germany coach Joachim Low feels Thomas Muller is going through a "difficult phase" as he backed the forward to return to his best.
Muller, 29, has struggled to find his best form for Bayern Munich, who are fifth in the Bundesliga, this season.
But he remains part of Low's plans and the coach said Muller – the Golden Boot winner at the 2010 World Cup – could still play a key role for Germany.
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"Although he hasn't stuck out lately at the national team or his club, Thomas Muller is a player who gives a lot of energy and can lead and animate the youngsters," he told a news conference.