Could Nathaniel Brown start at left-back for Germany at the World Cup?

Most of the places in Germany’s starting lineup for Sunday’s friendly against Finland were as expected, but one notable surprise was Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown starting at left-back ahead of RB Leipzig captain David Raum.

Marauding up and down the left flank, Brown played the full 90 minutes and delivered an impressive performance, while Raum remained on the bench throughout.

"'Nene' (Brown) has huge potential. He’s very strong one-on-one, has real pace, goes about things very cleverly and feels comfortable in the half-space," Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said after the game, leaving the battle for the position wide open. 

“David has a few minor knocks he’s still carrying. They are two very good players with different playing styles, and both of them could start.”

Back in March, Raum started the first friendly against Switzerland, while Brown was given his chance in the second one against Ghana.

The question now is whether Brown could move ahead of the more experienced Leipzig defender in the pecking order and start Germany’s World Cup opener against Curaçao in two weeks’ time. He certainly didn't harm his chances on Sunday.

“We have an open battle for the position. It’s good that we push each other. It helps both of us,” Brown said after the win over Finland, according to Absolut Fussball.

Captain Joshua Kimmich, who played on the right side of defence, also weighed in on Brown’s performance and the competition at left-back.

“We’re both full-backs, but “Nene” (Brown) pushes higher up the pitch than I do. The combination play with Florian Wirtz worked well. But David Raum has also done a good job many times. It’s important that we have these options,” he said.

Germany’s final warm-up friendly against the United States on Saturday may provide further clarity on the situation at left-back.

It is conceivable that Brown and Raum will rotate at left-back, with selection depending on the opponent and tactical needs.