Germany, a nation historically synonymous with prolific goalscorers, finds itself in a curious predicament. While the names of Miroslav Klose, Gerd Müller, Jürgen Klinsmann, and Thomas Müller echo through the annals of World Cup history – four Germans among the ten highest scorers in the tournament’s history – the present-day Nationalmannschaft struggles to consistently locate the back of the net. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uwe Seeler remain beloved figures, but the current landscape lacks a reliable, consistent finisher. The question facing head coach Julian Nagelsmann as crucial matches approach is simple: who will finish the chances created?
The German youth development system, according to recent analysis, now prioritizes versatility over specialization. As Philipp Lahm recently wrote in an Athletic column, modern footballers aren’t necessarily expected to excel at everything, but rather to be exceptionally decent at something. However, this shift has seemingly contributed to a dearth of classic number nines – players dedicated to the art of scoring goals. This void is particularly noticeable in the attacking third, where Germany has lacked a consistent goal threat for years. Nagelsmann will need to find a solution during the upcoming friendlies against Switzerland (Friday, 8:45 PM CET) and Ghana (Monday, 8:45 PM CET), and certainly before the summer’s World Cup tournament.
Recent performances suggested Nick Woltemade might be the answer. He scored four goals in crucial qualifying matches against Northern Ireland, Luxembourg, and Slovakia, earning him a place in the internal pecking order. However, that momentum has stalled. Since joining Newcastle United, Woltemade has found himself largely on the bench, unable to replicate his goalscoring form. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge publicly questioned Stuttgart’s investment in the player, a sentiment that, while perhaps delivered inelegantly, reflects a growing skepticism about Woltemade’s current trajectory.
Im Moment des Ballkontakts schloss Woltemade die Augen (In the Moment of Contact, Woltemade Closed His Eyes)
Currently, Deniz Undav appears to be regaining favor. The Stuttgart forward has scored 18 goals in the Bundesliga this season, a tally that would be even more impressive if not for a significant number of penalties. Undav’s cleverness and creativity in the box make him the highest-scoring German player in the league. He experienced a dip in form and lost his starting position at Stuttgart, which led to his omission from the national team last year. However, his recent resurgence has put him back in contention.
Both Undav and Woltemade, however, are not traditional center forwards. Their lack of blistering pace and athleticism often leads them to drift into midfield, seeking space and involvement in the build-up play. They are not particularly strong in the air, a weakness highlighted by Woltemade’s shoulder-assisted goal against Northern Ireland – a moment where, as one report noted, he closed his eyes upon contact with the ball. Germany currently lacks a striker with a clear “number 9” profile. Tim Kleindienst remains sidelined with a long-term injury, and Niclas Füllkrug has struggled to establish himself after moves to the Premier League and Serie A.
The situation underscores a broader trend in German football. The nation that once produced a seemingly endless stream of clinical finishers now finds itself searching for a reliable goalscorer. Nagelsmann faces a significant challenge in identifying and developing a player who can consistently deliver on the international stage. The upcoming friendlies will be crucial in assessing the options available and formulating a plan for the World Cup.
The pressure is on Nagelsmann to find a solution. Germany’s historical success has been built on a foundation of strong attacking play, and the current lack of a consistent goalscorer threatens to derail their ambitions. The search for the next Miroslav Klose, or even a player capable of consistently finding the back of the net, continues.
Germany’s next test comes against Switzerland on Friday, March 27th, 2026, at 8:45 PM CET, followed by a match against Ghana on Monday, March 30th, 2026, also at 8:45 PM CET. These matches will provide a valuable opportunity for Nagelsmann to experiment with different options and assess the form of potential candidates. The results will undoubtedly shape his thinking as he prepares for the challenges ahead.
What are your thoughts? Who should lead the line for Germany? Share your opinions in the comments below.
