German U21 captain Arne Maier potentially out for Denmark
Germany U21 head-coach may be without his captain as the DFB youths prepare to square off against Denmark next Monday in the Quarterfinals of the UEFA U21 European Championship.
| Arne Maier. | Photo: Hertha BSC/citypress |
The journey continues for Germany's prospect squad something of a lackluster tournament group phase back in March. Kuntz's youngsters got off to a flying start with a 3-0 win over Hungary. Mainz native Ridle Baku, still with the squad after Bundestrainer Joachim Löw opted not to take him to the Euros, bagged a brace and picked up an assist in an amazing performance.
Unfortunately, the junior DFB-XI were only able to draw their next two group stage matches. Their quarterfinal opponent, Denmark, constitutes quite the challenge. Albert Capellas' junior DBU-XI sailed through the group stages undefeated behind great performances from Anders Dreyer and former Bundesliga professional Jacob Bruun Larsen.
The current German U21 squad features two young in phenoms in Baku and Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz that some were surprised weren't taken by Joachim Löw. Other strong up-and-comers include Köln's Ismail Jakobs, Mainz's Jonathan Burkardt, Stuttgart's Mateo Klimowicz, Union's Nico Schlotterbeck, Gent's Niklas Dorsch, and Anderlecht's Lukas Nmecha.
Regrettably, teenage sensation Youssoufa Moukoko remains out with injury.