Learning from Hummels and Boateng has helped Niklas Süle at Bayern Munich as he strives for the World Cup

In an interview with Sport1, Niklas Süle gave some great insight on his first year with Bayern Munich, his World Cup chances, and gave an honest and frank assessment of his own performance.

Süle, who is in a heated battle for a World Cup roster spot, talked openly about how he has developed on and off the field, including with his nutrition and his durability:

I changed my diet and noticed that I felt better because of it. With respect to nutrition, though, I could do much, much more.

It was Süle himself who in fact inquired how he might improve his nutrition level after transferring to Bayern:

The topic of nutrition plays an important part especially for the coaches. And for all coaches that I have had so far—I'm not excepting any of them. I noticed above all at Bayern that I had to do more and then wanted to make some changes with respect to nutrition. After all, I’m the only player who has missed not even one training session this season. So I can't have done too much wrong.

When asked about his role with Die Mannschaft, Süle broke down the depth at the position behind stalwarts Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng:

The national team is really well stocked at my position: Matthias Ginter, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah—the coach has a tough choice for who he sees out in front. I have a very good year behind, in which I exceeded my own expectations. I played even when all the players were fit. I feel really good about it!

Süle, who displayed his overall ability and talent in many dynamic moments over the course of the season, was humbled by the notion that Jupp Heynckes think the 22-year-old will be “one of the most sought after center backs in the world”:

Well, Mr. Heynckes often told me that I’m still far from being one of the best center-backs, but it could happen. Jupp Heynckes was a big supporter of mine, and I’m very grateful to him for that.

Süle also broke down his superb performance against Cristiano Ronaldo during the Champions League semifinals, but also acknowledged that he needs more consistency within his game:

I had good moments and often did well. Ronaldo is fast, but maybe not as fast as he was four or five years ago. I came on without warming up and was lucky that I stayed healthy.

But Süle's performance against Ronaldo did not exactly translate into consistent success. Asked whether he felt more confidence after defending Ronaldo, Süle asked,

Why? Three days later I played against Cologne’s Simon Terodde and did not look good against him at all. I was exhausted and disappointed in this game. So I didn't do well. At Bayern you have to perform well every week.

Finally, when asked about which players have impressed him the most within the World Cup camp, Süle respected his Bayern elders:

I play together at Bayern with players like Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng. They are both world champions and are among the best players in the world. I can take the next step in my development alongside players like them. I could learn a thing or two just from Mats Hummels’s heading technique. But for a young player like me, it’s also impressive to see how Arjen Robben works every day and everything that he has achieved. You almost have to slow him down.

Süle’s performance has warranted not only consideration for a sport on Die Mannschaft, but also a starting role on Bayern. If Süle can continue his meteoric developmental pace, it will not be long before the youngster is a household name worldwide.