Melissa Kössler Shapes Her DFB Return After a Two-Year Absence
Melissa Kössler erzielte beim 4:2-Sieg gegen Australien ihre ersten beiden Tore für die deutsche Nationalmannschaft, nachdem sie zuvor jahrelang keine Rolle unter Christian Wück gespielt hatte. T-Online reported that the 26-year-old forward used the fixture to solidify her standing at the start of the World Cup season, following her January transfer to the United States and the Denver Summit FC in the NWSL.
Bundestrainer Christian Wück offered a clear assessment of her performance, stating: Wenn man es kurz und knapp fassen will, hat sie ihre Chance genutzt.
Kössler herself recalled that her initial call-up during the summer caught her tatsächlich sehr überraschend,
as she was on a road trip when she received a text message from Wück and returned the call.
From NWSL Form to National Team Impact
Before her recall in the summer, Kössler had not featured for the senior national team since April 2024. Her transition to North American soccer provided the physical edge that caught the coaching staff’s attention. According to n-tv.de, she started 19 of 23 matches in her campaign, scoring six goals and adding one assist. ZDF expert and former professional Kathrin Lehmann noted that Kössler’s athletic presence and ability to hold up the ball give the team an essential outlet under pressure.
Subs at 63' 🔄 Melissa Kössler for Olivia Thomas Eva Gaetino for Megan Reid Tash Flint for Emma Regan
Reflecting on her stint abroad, Kössler explained that the NWSL features ein schnelleres Spiel, sehr direkt,
noting that she has already gained ganz viel Erfahrung und Robustheit
through the competition.
The Thomas Müller Comparison and Unorthodox Scoring
Kössler’s opening goal against Australia arrived via a looping effort from close range that crossed the line after brushing the fingertips of Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold. Kössler laughed off direct comparisons to her childhood idol, Thomas Müller, whose unorthodox scoring style she has long admired. As noted by Absolut Fussball, Kössler has identified with the 2014 World Cup winner since earlier years.
Describing her two goals on the night, Kössler admitted regarding the opener: Das erste Tor tat mir ein bisschen leid. Ich weiß nicht, ob ich es Franzi geklaut habe. Ich hoffe nicht,
while calling her second effort from around 17 meters out wirklich meins.
Regarding the stylistic parallel to her idol, she added with a laugh: Ob ich mir das jetzt genau abgeguckt habe, würde ich nicht sagen,
though she noted that she has long been able to identify with him both on and off the pitch.
Wück’s Tactical Search for a Physical Center Forward
Coach Christian Wück acknowledged that finding a physically robust center forward remains a demanding task. Kössler’s performance against Australia demonstrated those traits, offering a vital alternative to established options as the team builds toward the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Wück detailed the exact demands for the position, stating: Wir brauchen eine körperlich starke Spielerin, die Bälle festmachen, verteidigen und verteilen kann, die sich im Eins-gegen-eins durchsetzen und Tore machen kann.
Squad Depth and Developing Rhythmus Ahead of the World Cup
The German squad continues to refine its tactical identity under Wück, balancing fresh faces with experienced names across the pitch. Tagesspiegel reported that while combinations in central midfield and wide areas continue to grow more automatic, defensive adjustments remain ongoing. With players like Kössler applying pressure on established starters, the competition for places in the attack provides the tactical flexibility necessary for long tournament runs.
Wück emphasized the value of the ongoing fixtures, noting: Wir haben für die Weltmeisterschaft keine Vorbereitungszeit und deswegen ist jedes Spiel unheimlich wichtig für jede einzelne Spielerin, um sich bei uns festzuspielen.
Addressing the team’s defensive structure, he added: Natürlich werden wir immer wieder Nuancen in unserem Spiel haben, die unterschiedlich sind, aber die Identität und die Spielkonzeption, die wir den Spielerinnen eigentlich jeden Tag im Lehrgang versuchen einzuflößen, ändern sich nicht.
Looking ahead to the global tournament, forward Jule Brand expressed strong confidence in the group, stating: Mit dieser Mannschaft ist sehr viel möglich und ich traue uns auch zu, Weltmeisterinnen zu werden.
