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Joachim Löw is set to announce his 26-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament this summer by tomorrow. As a result of the upcoming announcement, we attempt to pick our personal Germany squad, both with some realistic expectations of Löw’s ideals, and who we would personally like to see get a chance to shine at this summer’s tournament. Here is our 26-man squad.
Goalkeepers
Joachim Löw will likely select three goalkeepers for the tournament even despite the increase in squad size, although a fourth keeper could be on the cards given the depth of quality at the position. Manuel Neuer is likely to be the first choice in the position after two more fantastic seasons with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League last year. Marc-Andre ter Stegen hasn’t achieved as much silverware at FC Barcelona recently, but will be an easy selection to be Neuer’s first back-up, and the one pushing him for a place. For the final spot, Kevin Trapp will battle it out with Bernd Leno. We’ve gone for the Eintracht Frankfurt keeper after his reasonably solid season in between the posts for the Bundesliga’s fifth place team, as opposed to Leno who hasn’t done anything remarkable for Arsenal in quite some time.
Right Backs
With an increase in number of players allowed at this summer’s competition, fullback is one area where Joachim Löw may look to add an additional body. Unlike any other position, Die Mannschaft don’t have any world class right-backs and may struggle to identify best fits. Lukas Klostermann has emerged as Low’s recent favourite due to his positive performances at second-place Leipzig, and can also play at right-centre-back in a back-three. Ridle Baku would be the ideal candidate for the right-wing-back role having played both wing and fullback this season, while Benjamin Henrichs would do the same and offer an extra body on the left due to his versatility.
The three players that we’ve gone for have just 18 caps between them, which would be a problem for Die Mannschaft. However, Löw would be wise to give Baku his chance given his excellent performances for Wolfsburg in 2020-21, and Henrichs may edge out the likes of Philipp Max and Nico Schulz who are more one-sided on the left.
Centre Backs
Joachim Löw is likely to select four or five centre-backs in his squad + Emre Can who can play as a defensive midfielder or anywhere in the back-line. The undeniable name in his defensive line has to be Matthias Ginter – the excellent Monchengladbach defender who’s emerged as Germany’s best in the position. But with Mats Hummels and Antonio Rudiger both having re-emergent seasons, Ginter’s ability to start every match is no longer a necessity. Mats Hummels has been one of Dortmund’s best players this season as they won the DFB Pokal and claimed top four in the Bundesliga, while Antonio Rudiger’s been a massive part of Thomas Tuchel’s fluid Chelsea team, making it to the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League finals. In Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule, Joachim Löw has another excellent option who can play at right-back or centre-back.
If Mats Hummels doesn’t earn a recall into the team, Löw will certainly opt for Jonathan Tah instead, who’s been part of all recent Germany squads amidst a decent season for Bayer Leverkusen.
Left Backs
Recognizing that Joachim Löw will probably only opt for a maximum of five fullbacks, and Benjamin Henrichs’ versatility, we’ve selected just Robin Gosens and Marcel Halstenberg. Robin Gosens has achieved unbelievable heights since breaking in Atalanta, and has netted 11 goals with 6 assists this season from left-wing-back. Marcel Halstenberg meanwhile can play as a left-centre-back, left-back or left-wing-back, and his versatility in that regard will be key. Philipp Max will hover in and around the team and offers a set-piece ability from dead-ball situations, but only has 3 caps to his name and probably wouldn’t be Löw’s first choice even if selected for the team.
Defensive Midfielders
Defensive and central midfield is one of the strongest areas of Joachim Löw’s team, particularly due to having the best defensive midfielder in the world. Joshua Kimmich‘s had a phenomenal season for Bayern Munich, assisting 10 goals in 26 matches. He will easily anchor the midfield, or could add an additional option at right-back if need be for Joachim Löw’s team. Emre Can will also be an undeniable selectee for the team, and his versatility will be crucial for Germany’s success at the tournament after his solid season for Dortmund.
Central Midfielders
The German team is stacked with talented central midfielders. Ilkay Gundogan stands out above the pack after his fantastic goal-scoring season for Manchester City. But Leon Goretzka and Toni Kroos can also claim to be two of the world’s very best themselves. As if Löw already didn’t have enough options in the position, Mahmoud Dahoud has eased to an excellent final half of the campaign for Borussia Dortmund and may earn himself a surprise selection due to the increased squad size. But with Kroos, Goretzka and Gundogan already in the team, Löw really doesn’t need much more than that.
Attacking Midfielders
Attacking midfield is also an area of strength for the team, that is, if Joachim Löw is willing to give recalls to Thomas Muller and Marco Reus. Muller’s assisted more goals than anyone in Europe’s top five leagues this season (18), while Reus has been phenomenal in Dortmund’s recent resurgence toward the DFB Pokal Cup and the top four in the Bundesliga. Chelsea’s Kai Havertz will also make the squad for his versatility and verve, despite a difficult season for the young German at Stamford Bridge. Joachim Löw would also be wise to hand an experience to 18-year-old Florian Wirtz, who’s scored 5 goals with 5 assists this season for Bayer Leverkusen.
Wingers
While Joachim Löw has loads of depth in midfield, the wings have a bit fewer solid options. Bayern Munich’s trio of Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala will likely be Low’s first choices. The three of them have contributed 21 goals and 12 assists this season to Bayern’s insane goal tally. While Sane and Gnabry have been regulars in the German team for years, Jamal Musiala is only 18-years-old and would likely benefit from the experience. Jonas Hofmann could be a surprise selection after his fantastic 11 assist season for Borussia Monchengladbach.
Forwards
Up front, Germany have very few options. Thomas Muller, Marco Reus, and Leroy Sane could all theoretically help to fulfill the void. But the only out and out striker they have isn’t even an out and out striker himself – Timo Werner. It’s been an underratedly good season for the former Leipzig man at Stamford Bridge this season, but he’s still had a hand in 14 goals for the Blues in the league this season. Germany undoubtedly need more depth at striker, but there aren’t many good options out there beyond Werner.
So there it is! Our German national team squad for Euro 2020. Be sure to share who would make your team in the comments below or on Twitter @bundesligatms. Thanks for reading and see you soon!
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