Now led by Hansi Flick, will Germany raise their heads and shine at the 2022 World Cup? To try to answer this question, zoom in on the probable list of the Mannschaft.
The programme from Germany to Qatar: Group E – Japan (November 23), Spain (November 27), Costa Rica (December 1).
A trio of dream keepers
In goal, the Mannschaft certainly has the best trio of goalkeepers in the world with Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) still starting ahead of Marc-André ter Stegen (FC Barcelona) and Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt). Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim) was called up only when ter Stegen wanted to breathe and will not go to Qatar unless one of his competitors is injured.
Make way for versatility in defense
Between the different systems chosen by Flick and the versatility of the players, it is quite perilous to decide who will be part of Qatar in this sector, but major trends are emerging all the same.
On the right, it is the former Parisians Thilo Kehrer (West Ham) who will start with possibly the ex-Monegasque Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), who has come back in force in recent months, as an understudy. Unless the versatile Lukas Klostermann (RB Leipzig), able to evolve in the axis as in the right lane, encourages Flick to leave Henrichs at home.
On the left, David Raum (RB Leipzig) acts as an indisputable holder and sometimes Kehrer also helps out in this position, which casts doubt on the chances of Robin Gosens (Inter) to be in the game. Christian Günter (Fribourg) is going even further.
But it is in the axis, where Flick could retain up to 6 elements, that the competition is the most severe. The duo Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid)-Niklas Sule (Borussia Dortmund) is essential as holder. And Matthias Ginter (Freiburg) and Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund) have a good chance of accompanying them as understudy. Two additional places could be taken. There has been a lot of talk in recent weeks about the possible return of Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), no longer called since the Euro. The versatile Klostermann also has his chances. While Robin Koch (Leeds United), present at the Euro, is no longer in the odor of sanctity, Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen) and Armel Bella-Kotchap (Southampton), who celebrated his first cape in September, retain as to them a small hope.
Quality over quantity in the middle
In the midfield, Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), İlkay Gündoğan (Manchester City) and Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich) are all certain starters and should alternate as starters in the double pivot. Called in reinforcement last month, Maximilian Arnold (Wolfsburg) has only slim chances of integrating the final list, unless Flick decides to strengthen this sector. Ditto for Anton Stach (FSV Mainz), Florian Neuhaus (Mönchengladbach), currently injured, and Julian Weigl (Mönchengladbach), forgotten.
In the attacking midfield position, there is a traffic jam because of everyone’s versatility, but Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich) and Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), who could play on the right wing, start with a head start. Knowing that Kai Havertz (Chelsea), usually aligned a notch higher, can also play in this role. Specialist of the post, Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund) still retains chances of being summoned. This is a little less the case for his teammate Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), often called up in recent months but systematically injured. Rarely called, Julian Draxler (Benfica), he will find it more difficult to win his ticket.
Places to attack
On the wings, Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich), who should be restored for the World Cup, and Musiala should establish themselves as starters with Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich) and Jonas Hofmann (Gladbach) as probable alternatives.
At the peak, no one really convinced but Havertz and Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) are certain starters and in the fight for a starting place. Always called for a year, Lukas Nmecha (Wolfsburg) is likely to accompany them, perhaps to the detriment of the versatile Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund), able to play in the axis and on the wings but called less often.
Germany’s probable roster for the 2022 World Cup
Guardians (3): Manuel Neuer (Bayern), Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelone), Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Francfort)
Defenders (10): Thilo Kehrer (West Ham), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Robin Gosens (Inter), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Niklas Sule (Borussia Dortmund), Matthias Ginter (Fribourg), Nico Schlotterbeck ( Borussia Dortmund), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Lukas Klostermann (RB Leipzig).
Midfielders (7): Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), İlkay Gündoğan (Manchester City), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund).
Forwards (6): Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich), Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Jonas Hofmann (Gladbach), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig), Kai Havertz (Chelsea), Lukas Nmecha (Wolfsburg).
