Just one win from four games for the German national team. National coach Hansi Flick struggles a lot. The conclusion against Italy fits. A Bayern star and a new Dortmunder wobble. Thomas Müller consolidates his place. The winners and losers in the DFB team.
Four internationals, three draws, a gala victory against Italy. At least the end of the two-week Nations League trip was right with the 5-2 win against the reigning European champions. But Hansi Flick was not really satisfied in the past few days. The games in Italy and Hungary in particular caused the national coach great concern. There was even talk of “regression”.
What conclusions could Flick draw regarding the nomination of the World Cup squad in a few months? Who was able to play their way to the fore, who will probably find it more difficult to jump on the World Cup train? We take stock and name winners and losers.
Once a shaky candidate, now almost certainly at the World Cup. With the weakening competition even with chances of a place in the top eleven. Plays surprisingly more and more firmly on the right side. Flick appreciates that Gladbacher can be used in many positions: right defender, right wing, central midfield.
Scorer against England and also the best man on the pitch alongside Neuer and Musiala. He also scores in the weak performance in Hungary. Against Italy he gets the penalty out and always provides good runs in depth.
Flick relies on his oldie. In typical fashion, Müller scored his 43rd international goal against Italy. He can also be used in different positions. Strongest behind the tips. In the past few days he has been stronger than his competitor Havertz, who can also go to the top. Clear leader in the team who got stuck even more firmly in the first eleven.
On the offensive with great competition. Nevertheless, he is currently outstripping Sané. Plays unconventionally. The opponent can hardly adjust to him. Against England with an outstanding performance.
He can also be used in several positions. Good passing game, great ending. In addition to his youthful lightness, Musiala brings a lot of quality with him. He’s definitely at the World Cup and has a chance of making the starting XI.
Joshua Kimmich is set in central midfield. Leon Goretzka and Gündogan fight for the place at his side. Gündogan always shows his class in the home games against England and Italy.
At the gala against the European champions, the ManCity star hits the spot. He would blow up the Bayern block in central midfield. Gündogan has caught up with Goretzka in the past two weeks.
Antonio Rüdiger, Niklas Süle and Schlotterbeck take turns in defence. But especially the new Dortmunder wobbles again and again. Genius and madness are very close to each other in his case. Sensational submission in Hungary when Hofmann equalized. But then again and again gross mistakes that open up great opportunities for the opponent.
He can do a lot, but doesn’t have the consistency in his game at this level. Süle and Rüdiger are currently in front of him in central defence. Must also generally fight for his place in the World Cup. Mats Hummels will not only put pressure on the youngster at BVB. The oldie is still a World Cup issue for Flick.
Completely out of shape at first. He lacks the liveliness to currently solve scenes in 1:1. Bring all the systems with you, but these are far too rarely on the pitch at the moment. Lots of bad decisions, no confidence at all.
At least with a conciliatory conclusion and a solid performance against Italy. Nevertheless, he does not only have to fight at Bayern. A place in the world championship is assured. But the once secure regular place under Flick by no means.
Has to sit out the first two games because of an infection. Then there is also a muscle fiber tear. Not a minute on the pitch in the four Nations League games. Again and again the tiresome issue of injury with the Dortmund captain.
National coach Hansi Flick is convinced of his qualities in the last third. But it is getting tighter for Reus to go to the World Cup. Maybe he will never play for the German national team again.
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