Lahm calls for Kimmich to replace Pavlović in midfield for Germany’s clash with Paraguay
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Joshua Kimmich usually plays in central midfield for Bayern Munich, but he has been deployed at right-back for Germany during the group phase of the World Cup.
According to former Germany captain Philipp Lahm, however, DFB coach Julian Nagelsmann would be wise to move Kimmich into central midfield at the expense of Aleksandar Pavlović for the upcoming round of 32 clash with Paraguay on Monday.
“In this tournament, Aleksandar Pavlović has not really impressed so far; I see an incredible number of simple ball losses. He is not ideally positioned on the pitch. That is why I see Joshua Kimmich in midfield,” Lahm wrote in a Kicker column.
Lahm argued that Kimmich’s “strengths and leadership qualities are needed” in central midfield.
“He's played at a high level there for about ten years, both for the national team and Bayern Munich. He would give the team stability, and his strengths would be much more apparent. He can help the defense, just as he can help the attack with his long passes. Felix Nmecha is currently a better fit alongside him . Therefore, Pavlović would have to drop out of the starting eleven,” Lahm added.
Lahm named Waldemar Anton as his choice for right-back, although the Borussia Dortmund man usually operates in central defence.
