Five German players to look out for at the European Under-21 Championship
We have highlighted five players who could be vital to Germany's hopes of winning the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Italy and San Marino.
Here are five German youngsters you should keep an eye on at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Italy and San Marino which will take place between 16–30 June 2019:
Alexander Nübel, Schalke 04 - goalkeeper:
The 22-year-old was one of the few Schalke 04 players who impressed during the 2018/19 season. Nübel started out the season as a reserve for Ralf Fährmann, but emerged as Schalke's first-choice option as the season progressed. The young keeper, who's under contract until 2020, has been linked with a move to Bayern München, but wants to focus on the Under-21 Championship before making a decision on his future.
Lukas Klostermann, RB Leipzig - defender:
It has been a great season for the 23-year-old who has been a regular starter for the defensively sound RB Leipzig side. Klostermann – a hard-working full-back who is good at coming forward - was rewarded for his fine performances by being handed his senior international debut in March and even started at the right wing-back position in Saturday's 2-0 win over Belarus.
Jonathan Tah, Bayer 04 Leverkusen - defender:
The centre-back, who like Klostermann appeared in the win over Belarus, is one of the players who has been trusted with more responsibility in the senior national team following Germany coach Joachim Löw's decision to drop Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels. The 23-year-old – a physically strong defender who's good at bringing the ball forward – played an impressive second half of the season at Leverkusen and should definitely do the German under-21 side good in Italy and San Marino.
Maximilian Eggestein, Werder Bremen - midfielder:
Eggestein – a dynamic midfielder with an eye for goal – made his breakthrough in the Bundesliga in the 2018/19 season, making 34 appearances with five goals and five assists to his name. The central midfielder caught attention from Borussia Dortmund with his impressive performances for Werder Bremen, but ultimately ended up extending his contract with The Green-Whites. There can't be any doubt, however, that the 22-year-old is destined for a bigger stage if he continues his development.
Nadiem Amiri, Hoffenheim - midfielder:
Having made 19 appearances for the German under-21 national team, Nadiem Amiri is among the more experienced players in the squad. The 22-year-old was mostly used as a substitute when Germany won the tournament in 2017, but he will most likely play a bigger role this time around. Amiri missed most of the 2018/19 season with an injury, but made a strong return after the winter break and scored a handful of goals for Hoffenheim towards the end of the campaign.