Matthäus backs Kimmich to remain a "key figure" for Germany after World Cup failure

Dietmar Hamann recently urged Joshua Kimmich to step away from international duty following Germany’s underwhelming World Cup round of 32 exit against Paraguay.

However, Lothar Matthäus disagrees, writing in his Sky Germany column that he believes the Bayern Munich star should remain an important part of the national team.

The German legend also highlighted Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck and Kai Havertz as players he believes should help lead the national team into the future.

“As far as the squad is concerned, we need to work towards having players in positions that we lacked at the World Cup. We didn't have a right-back in the squad, nor did we have a true No. 9. We also don't have the big leaders we had when we won the [World Cup] title in 2014,” Matthäus stated.

“I still see Joshua Kimmich as a key figure and captain. Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck can also become faces of the team. In attack, Kai Havertz has the quality and experience to take on a leadership role. However, we need to see which position he plays in.”

Kimmich, 31, has made 114 appearances for Germany since making his debut in 2016.