Joshua Kimmich’s Fullback Test Against Ivory Coast: Speed and Positioning Concerns Raise Questions for Germany’s Captain
Joshua Kimmich, Germany’s DFB captain, faced his first major test as a right-back against Ivory Coast on June 9, 2024, in a 2-1 victory for the Elephants. Critics, including Ivory Coast forward Yan Diomande, questioned Kimmich’s pace and positional experience in the role, raising doubts about his suitability as a fullback in Julian Nagelsmann’s system. The performance has sparked debate over whether Kimmich’s leadership and technical ability can compensate for his lack of defensive depth in this unfamiliar position.
What Happened in the Ivory Coast Match?
In Germany’s Nations League match against Ivory Coast at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart (local time: 20:45 CEST / 18:45 UTC), Kimmich made his first start as a right-back in place of the injured Jonathan Tah. The 31-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder, typically deployed as a central or attacking midfielder, was asked to cover the right flank in a 3-4-3 formation.
Ivory Coast’s Yan Diomande, who scored the game’s opening goal, later criticized Kimmich’s defensive work rate. “He’s not used to playing as a fullback,” Diomande told reporters after the match. “He’s not as fast as he needs to be in that position, and he struggles with positioning. For a player of his experience, it was surprising to see those weaknesses.”
According to official DFB match statistics, Kimmich completed 87% of his defensive duels but was involved in three defensive errors, including a missed tackle that led to Ivory Coast’s second goal attempt. His defensive contribution ranked below that of his teammates Nico Schlotterbeck (left-back) and Florian Wirtz (center-back), who each recorded two successful interceptions.
Why Is Kimmich’s Fullback Role Controversial?
Kimmich’s deployment as a fullback is unusual for several reasons. First, his primary role at Bayern Munich is as a central midfielder, where he excels in ball progression and vision rather than defensive coverage. Second, Germany’s current right-back depth is already thin, with Nico Schlotterbeck and Lukas Klostermann as the primary options.
Tactical analysts, including The Guardian’s Jonathan Wilson, have questioned whether Nagelsmann’s system can adapt to Kimmich’s strengths. “Kimmich is a fantastic midfielder, but fullbacks require a different set of skills—especially in modern football where wing-backs are expected to press high, recover quickly, and cover wide areas,” Wilson wrote. “His lack of pace and experience in the role could leave Germany vulnerable on the right flank.”
The decision also raises questions about Germany’s long-term defensive structure. With Tah sidelined until August and Klostermann often deployed as a wing-back, Nagelsmann may need to reconsider his defensive setup. “This isn’t a sustainable solution,” said Spiegel’s football analyst Markus Schroth. “Kimmich is a leader, but he’s not a fullback.”
How Does This Affect Germany’s Upcoming Fixtures?
Germany’s next Nations League match is against Keep reading
