Manuel Neuer
Even if you think of the Nations League as something like the modern version of an Intertoto Cup for national teams, that could never convince Neuer to sit voluntarily on the bench. And because Hansi Flick thinks the same way, he was also between the posts in the fourth international match this summer. For the fourth time without a flaw, but for the fourth time not to zero despite a few saves of the “Manuel Neuer” class. And shortly before the end, when the game had long since resembled a kick in the outdoor pool, he suddenly found himself at the center of a dangerous scene: a speedster almost grabbed him.
Luke Klosterman
Without offending him: Klostermann is the more inconspicuous of two German full-backs who are currently in good form. For example, unlike left-back David Raum, he doesn’t have a tattoo on his neck. Nevertheless, with his speed he ensured safety at the back and an additional option at the front.
Nicholas Sule
A certain sluggishness in the game, as could be seen against Hungary, often begins during the build-up. But that’s not always due to those who build it up. This time Niklas Süle had more options for his long passes because there were more players up front. Of course you still have to bring them to the man as well as before the 1-0. Forward with a lot of class. Back once with a risk pass that had no consequences.
Antonio Rüdiger
The presumed defense chief under Flick was noticeably less offensive than Süle, but that wasn’t a problem. His core competence is security, which he almost always guaranteed against largely harmless Italians. Saw yellow shortly before the summer vacation because of too much discussion.
David Raum
One of the winners of this international campaign, this impression continued in the game in Mönchengladbach. Benefited from a lot of space when he made it 1-0, but that will not appear in any statistics. Also initiated the third goal. He’s probably doing what he’s tattooed on his chest with a lot of optimism (“Living the dream”).
Ilkay Gundogan
Despondent passes at promising moments, that was one of the identified problems in the 1-1 draw against Hungary – but Gündogan, the expert for the right passes at the right time, didn’t play along from the start either. Initiated numerous attacks, sometimes with direct passes, sometimes in dribbling – and scored a penalty to make it 2-0.
Joshua Kimmich
In case anyone had any doubts about Kimmich’s leading role under Hansi Flick: He was the only player besides Neuer in the starting XI in all four games this summer. As in the first game against Italy, he scored a goal that Leroy Sané was already celebrating before the ball had even left Kimmich’s foot. So obviously enjoys a lot of trust.
Jonas Hofmann
The undisputed main winner of the four-international series. Was therefore allowed to play in front of a home crowd in Mönchengladbach instead of Serge Gnabry in the German attack from the start. A run from him led to the penalty before the 2-0 – although that was more due to the rarely clumsy foul of his opponent Bastoni.
Thomas Müller
Also part of the Flick axis, also due to his talent for leading a team. In terms of football, Jamal Musiala has long since disputed his position in the offensive center. But as long as he plays like he did against Italy, with loud announcements audible over the outside microphones, with a goal scored and celebrated in a Müller-like manner (to make it 3-0) and even with passes from the outside of his instep (like before the 4-0), he will probably be set.
Leroy Sane
Was unlucky once that the Italians played the ball unnecessarily wide – so an amazing sprint Sanés back into their own half was unfortunately lost in the middle of the first half. He wanted to show his numerous critics how motivated he can play football (when he is motivated). Offered himself, did a lot right, was just unlucky in the end.
Timo Werner
When Hansi Flick defends Werner against criticism, the coach remarkably often praises his game without Ball. With After just a few seconds, Werner noticed the ball in a promising position with a technically unclean acceptance. Without Ball with eager sprints into free spaces. But then he also succeeded With Ball something: two German striker goals after two templates by Serge Gnabry, but against the Italians who were completely overwhelmed in the end.
Substitute:
Serge Gnabry was probably the most prominent footballer on the German bench and made the most prominent contribution with two assists after he was substituted on. Jamal Musiala and Lukas Nmecha remained more inconspicuous, Anton Stach and Jonathan Tah were also allowed to participate.
