Mario Gotze has struggled for a place in the Bayern Munich team

Former Germany midfielder Mehmet Scholl has criticised Mario Gotze, accusing the forward of being lazy.

Bayern Munich forward Gotze, who scored the winning goal in World Cup final as Germany beat Argentina in Rio two years ago, has struggled to hold down a first-team place under Pep Guardiola.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena, with former Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp apparently interested in taking the player to Liverpool.

Gotze has missed a large chunk of the season through injury, but he scored in Germany's 4-1 friendly win over Italy on Tuesday night.

Prior to the match former Bayern Munich player Scholl, who won Euro 96 with Germany, said: "Why can't he produce consistent performances? For me the answer is obvious - he has to train much, much more.

Mario Gotze (c) scores for Germany in the 4-1 win over Italy

"I remember when he was very young at Dortmund. He was an arrow, he was so fast, he was so athletic. At the moment he is so far removed from that."

Following the game Gotze defended himself, when asked for a comment.

"He said that? How did he come to that conclusion? Does he come to (Bayern's) training? Or did he just say that?" said Gotze.

"If he sees it that way, I will take it to heart. I believe that I train enough."