Hansi Flick took the mantle from Joachim Low with hopes of guiding Germany to another successful World Cup trophy reminiscent of their 2014 glory days.
However, he faces an uphill battle in selecting the 26-man squad to make the trip to Qatar. The last World Cup saw Germany become the third consecutive nation after Italy and Spain to face the axe at the hands of South Korea following a 2-0 loss.
Another underwhelming display followed this in the 2020 Euros. The Germa outfit fell out to the hands of England in the round of 16 at Wembley.
After six years without a major trophy, pressure mounts on the former Bayern Munich coach. However, he faces a rejuvenated squad with enough depth compared to close rivals. Earlier this week, a 3-3 draw to England in the UEFA Nations League showed sparks of brilliance.
Germany does not have an easy time in the Group Stages while facing 2010 Word Cup champions Spain, Asian top guns Japan and South American representatives Costa Rica.
Who will make the final 26-man squad to Qatar?
Goalkeepers
- Oliver Baumann – Hoffenheim
- Kevin Trapp – Eintracht Frankfurt
- Marc-Andre ter Stegen – Barcelona
- Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich
- Bernd Leno – Fulham
In case of history is anything to go by, we highly favor Manuel Nuer to stay between the sticks. Next in command behind the goalpost is Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. The third choice goalkeeper remains a close battle between Fulham’s Bernd Leno and Frankfurt’s Kevin Trapp. One major doubt ahead of the selection is Hoffenheim’s, Oliver Baumann. However, an injury galore could grant him a spot on the subs bench.
Defenders
- Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid
- Mats Hummels – Dortmund
- David Raum – RB Leipzig
- Thilo Kehrer – West Ham
- Niklas Sule – Dortmund
- Benjamin Henrichs – RB Leipzig
- Armel Bella-Kotchap – Southampton
- Robin Gosens – Inter
- Lukas Klostermann – RB Leipzig
One nailed-on started for Germany in defense is Real Madrid’s defender Antonio Rudiger. Who starts next to him remains a question with Dortmund’s Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterback viable options.
One major breakout star in the UEFA Nations League is David Raum, who locks in the full-back position alongside West Ham’s Thilo Kehrer. Other available full-back options at the camp include Robin Gosens and Benjamin Henrichs. Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap is a major shoutout on the bench options. It remains a question mark over the availability of Matt Hummels and Mathias Ginter.
Midfielders
- Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich
- Jonas Hofmann – RB Leipzig
- Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich
- Ilkay Gundogan – Manchester City
- Leon Goretzka – Bayern Munich
- Julian Brandt – Dortmund
- Julian Draxler – Benfica
- Julian Weigl – Mochengladbach
- Florian Witz – Bayer Leverkusen
Hansi Flick faces a problem of options in the middle of the park. The fitness of Joshua Kimmich remains a major worry for Flick. Other nailed-on starts in midfielder include Ilkay Gundogan, Leon Grotezka, and Jamal Musiala. A World Cup debut for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz lies in wait.
Attackers
- Timo Werner – RB Leipzig
- Marco Reus – Dortmund
- Kai Havertz – Chelsea
- Serge Gnabry – Bayern Munich
- Lukas Nmecha – Wolfsburg
- Thomas Muller – Bayern Munich
- Leroy Sane – Bayern Munich
- Karim Adeyemi – Dortmund
One major department full of promise is undoubtedly their attack. The flick will surely turn on Chelsea’s Kai Havertz. RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner and Bayern Munich’s trio of Leroy Sane, Thomas Muller and Serge Gnabry.
One major doubt in attack is the availability of Marco Reus, who is out for three to four weeks with an ankle injury. There is hope with a creative hub upfront with the addition of Karim Adeyemi, Lukas Mnecha, and Jonathan Burkhardt.
Possible Starting XI
Given recent starting lineups in the UEFA Nations League, we envision Hansi Flick opting for a 4-3-2-1 system. Neuer is more than likely to start between the sticks. The full-back options remain Klostermann and Raum. A defensive partnership of Rudiger and Sule remains formidable. A midfield pivot of Joshuas Kimmich and Ilkay Gundogan is more likely. We bag an attack consisting of Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller, and Leroy Sane.
