Raum speaks on prospects of reclaiming national team spot

Former SpVgg Greuther Fürth and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim fullback David Raum was widely regarded to have dipped significantly form-wise since joining RB Leipzig in the Summer of 2022. Raum struggled in his first season with the German Red Bulls and was unable to maintain his place in Bundestrainer Hansi Flick's XI during the 2022 World Cup. 

Raum's sophomore season in Saxony also got off to a slow start. His national team prospects dipped accordingly with players such as Robin Gosens, Maximilian Mittelstädt, and (even for one match) Kai Havertz taking over the role he once seemed destined for. Mittelstädt currently serves as Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann's presumed left-back. 

Raum's recent form may leave Nagelsmann with something to ponder. An assist on Benjamin Sesko's goal against his former club Hoffenheim last night gave the 26-year-old his 14th assist across all competitions on the season. The Nürnberg-native has collected a total of 17 scorer points in 39 appearances across all comps for Leipzig this year. 

According to Germany's transfermarkt website (citing statistics provided by footballing data aggregator "Opta") seven of Raum's eight league assists have resulted in headed goals. Nagelsmann certainly has something to ponder should Raum finish the league campaign strongly. Raum and Gladbach's Frank Honorat have together supplied the highest total of headed Bundesliga goals this season. 

Speaking to the Leipziger Volkszeitung (quoted by transfermarkt) Raum commented on the prospects of re-ingratiating himself with the German national team. Nagelsmann did recently use him off the bench in the DFB squad's 2-1 win over the Netherlands. Raum noted that he had enjoyed being back in the German national team camp. 

"The last training session was a lot of fun," Raum said of his recent call-up, "Something is taking hold and it would be great to be a part of it.  That's why I give it my all every week. It would be nice if that was rewarded."