How Germany could line up at the World Cup
We take a look at which players Germany national team coach Joachim Löw will most likely select in his line up at the World Cup.
When Manuel Neuer is fit, he is one of the very best goalkeepers in the world, and his inclusion in the German line-up would normally be a no-brainer. However, there are question marks about Neuer’s form as he hasn't played for Bayern since sustaining a metatarsal fracture back in September. The goalkeeper returned to training in April and despite his lack of match form, he should be ready to perform at the World Cup, the now former Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes underlines.
“The national team can breathe a sigh of relief – he will not only be fit, but he will also be a big factor for the German team,” he told ESPN.
In case Neuer won’t be ready for the task, the German squad possess an exquisite reserve in the form of Barcelona keeper Marc-André Ter Stegen.
Right back: Joshua Kimmich, Bayern München
Kimmich has done well to replace the legendary Philipp Lahm at right back, both at Bayern München and in the national team. With 47 appearances, six goals and 17 assists for Bayern during the 2017/18 season, Kimmich has been very impressive, and he has also deservedly turned into a regular starter for Germany since Lahm’s farewell.
Central defense: Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, Bayern München
The central defense contains two more Bayern players in the form of Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng. Hummels and Boateng are both widely regarded among the best defenders in the world, and they are well-known not just for their defensive qualities, but also for their ability on the ball. The pair have played together for years, both in the national team and for Bayern, and they know and complement each other very well. Boateng is currently suffering from a hamstring injury, but he should be back on the pitch in time for the World Cup.
Left back: Jonas Hector, FC Köln
Hector may have been relegated from the Bundesliga with FC Köln, but he will most likely still be Joachim Löw’s favored left back at the World Cup. The 27-year-old made his international debut in 2014 and has since turned into Löw’s preferred left-back. Hector may not possess the same offensive qualities as Kimmich, but he is solid, trusted and used to being a part of the German back-four.
Defensive midfield: Sami Khedira, Juventus, and Toni Kroos, Real Madrid
Real Madrid star Toni Kroos is arguably among the best in the world at his position and needs no introduction. It’s very likely that Löw prefers the more defensive minded and very experienced Sami Khedira next to him, but he could also turn to Ilkay Gündogan if he fancies a more attacking style.
Right wing: Thomas Müller, Bayern München
Müller has been an integral part of Germany’s line-up for years, and he will surely also be starting at the World Cup. The Bayern striker is known as a team player, a natural born goal scorer and a very hard player to defend against due to his unique playing style. As Joachim Löw said in 2014, Müller “is a very unorthodox player and you can't really predict his lines of running, but he has one aim and that is 'how can I score a goal?'”
Offensive midfielder: Mesut Özil, Arsenal
The Arsenal wizard has played a very important role in Löw’s system for years and always seems to be able to find the holes in the opponents’ defense. Özil is a classic playmaker, and although the German squad possess many great offensive players, none of them are really similar to Özil in terms of playing style.
Left wing: Marco Reus, Borussia Dortmund
Reus had a very strong ending to the season after returning from injury, and the experienced Dortmund star could very likely be handed the start on the left wing despite heavy competition from Julian Draxler among others.
Striker: Timo Werner, RB Leipzig
The quick RB Leipzig striker is expected to be Germany’s main striker this summer after having impressed at the Confederations Cup and during the World Cup qualification. Werner has had some dry spells for RB Leipzig this season, but still managed to score 21 goals in 45 appearances, and with his stunning pace and deadly finishing he is always a threat. In case Löw wants more physicality up front, he can turn to the experienced Mario Gomez.
