Football is a team game, and no other team defines it better than the German national team. A well-oiled, functioning unit, manager Joachim Low has built a side that remains on the top echelons of world football. Unlike most other teams, Low has an incredible depth in the squad as the manager faces a huge headache owing to the selection of players over many positions. Without further ado, let’s look at the best playing XI for Germany considering every player remains fit.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence:
The goalkeeper’s position provides the coach with his biggest selection problem, as Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has been phenomenal for Barcelona this season. Manuel Neuer has been unavailable for a major chunk of this season, still, he remains the manager’s preferred keeper. Based on playing time, fitness, consistency, and recent form, Stegen thoroughly deserves his spot.
Joshua Kimmich is a leader of sorts at such a young age as his energy, drive and crossing ability makes him the undisputed choice for the right-back position. Jonas Hector has long been the constant figure at left back and things will hardly change in Russia. Both these fullbacks are quite balanced in both attacking and defensive aspects and are quite ahead in terms of talent and quality from their peers in the national squad.
Mats Hummels’ ability to read the game, intercepting skills and sharp tackles will be of extreme importance for the team. Jerome Boateng who has been equally consistent for Bayern Munich will accompany Hummels at the heart of the defence.
Midfield:
Germany have a lot of choices at the centre of the park but the manager might prefer experience over exuberance and hence Sami Khedira will play as the defensive midfielder in the two-man midfield pivot. Khedira will be entrusted upon to break the attacks, and shield the defence properly. Toni Kroos will be the other midfield playing from deep midfield. Kroos’ incisive passes, cross-field balls and ability to join the dots in the field will help Germany boss the game from the midfield.
Attack:
Marco Reus has recently returned from injuries and has showcased his talent and ability on certain occasions. However, to start in the World Cup, on current form he is miles behind prime contender Leroy Sane. Sane has been exceptional for Manchester City as his tremendous pace, long-distance shooting and crossing abilities have earned him a name in England.
Julian Draxler, too has sat out for quite long ever since the arrival of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to PSG. Hence, Sane should be the one starting from the left flank regularly. Mesut Ozil will play behind the striker as the Arsenal playmaker’s skills, unparalleled vision, and the talent to build up attacks with his intricate passes and lobbed balls will again be of extreme importance to the German national team.
Thomas Muller has regained his best form ever since Jupp Heynckes took over the team. Muller had a great tournament in 2014 and looks set to replicate his best form again. Timo Werner has shot into limelight with his brilliant goal-scoring, playmaking prowess for RB Leipzig. He is well equipped to excel whilst playing as the sole forward upfront and should do so in Russia too.