When discussing Germany's 'next big thing', for many inside the Bundesliga it's Timo Werner, then daylight, then the rest.

The VfB Stuttgart striker only signed pro terms last March, but was seriously considered by Germany coach Joachim Low for their World Cup winning squad in the summer.

That four-year VfB contract was signed at the end of a first senior campaign, where he played over 40 games on a junior agreement, scoring seven goals and catching the eye of Low and his Germany scouts.

Last season, he was the youngest debutant and youngest goalscorer in the history of VfB; his two goals at Freiburg also made him the youngest scorer of a double in Bundesliga history.

Guido Buchwald, the former Germany and Stuttgart defender, says of Werner: "He looks a certainty. He's impressed me greatly with not just his finishing, but also his ability to create chances for others.

"Germany is very powerful in attack, but I see Werner as Stuttgart's next international."

Asked about the talk of World Cup selection last summer and the potential of a call-up this term, Werner shows same the calm as he does in the opposition area.

"I play for the U19s, which is a lot of fun. If at any time an invitation came from the senior team, I would of course be very happy," he smiled.

"I have to keep training hard, doing well in the Bundesliga and in the U19s. Everything else is in the stars."

In the final days of the winter market, Werner was linked with a swap deal involving Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul. Speculation was also raised involving Arsenal and Liverpool in England.

With VfB propping up the table and his reputation growing across Europe, Werner appears a prime candidate to be cashed in by Stuttgart should they go down. But that first senior contract carries no relegation clause - on Werner's request. And it's a healthy agreement too - with a base salary of €1 million, increasing upon every year to €2.5 million.

Along with Premier League interest, Borussia Dortmund have also made enquiries, but Werner is steadfast.

"I have often said that I signed with VfB for four years. In these four years, only Stuttgart counts. I cannot tell what's coming in the future. Anything can happen in football, that's precisely why we love it.

"But I have a contract and I look forward every time to playing in the Mercedes-Benz Arena. For me there is currently nothing better."

For VfB fans, the feeling's mutual. Last season, in his debut campaign, no Stuttgart player sold more shirts than Werner.

"I think loyalty is very important to fans," he says.

"I live in the now and wear the jersey of VfB. So I do not concern myself with what shirt I could wear in four or five years. I'm fully focused on VfB Stuttgart."

This season, the goals haven't been flying in, but with Stuttgart rockbottom, Werner has still been able to shine when given the opportunity.

Under former coach Armin Veh, he found himself withdrawn from the frontline. Some questioned Veh's management of Werner, particularly when discussing the striker publicly.

"For him it would be easier if he were unimportant, then he could do better," claimed Veh.

"He could be a good player. But he's not there yet. He will need time."

While his agents were unimpressed, VfB insiders insisted Werner accepted Veh's criticism.

"It'll take time," continues Veh. "But he'll be back."

With Veh now gone, Werner is back and Stuttgart's board believe his development will benefit from a battling campaign at the wrong end of the table.

Sports director Robin Dutt insists this side of football will be good for Werner in the long-term.

"(Before this season) He'd only seen the upside. Now he sees the tough side of football. This will be good for him. He will learn from it."

FOOTNOTE: STILL THE APPRENTICE

With a multi-million euro contract under his arm, Werner's status in the game doesn't excuse him from his junior duties at Stuttgart. At the end of VfB training, with his senior teammates long gone, Werner can be seen collecting and bagging footballs, taking the drinks crate off the pitch and putting back the cones and training equipment.

There's reasons why Germany now dominates the international game at every level.