Germany’s Defensive Revival: Why Schlotterbeck and Tah Are Rebuilding the ‘Sandwich’ System
Germany’s national team is testing a center-back pairing of Jonathan Tah and Niklas Schlotterbeck that mirrors the “sandwich” system—one striker, two defenders—that defined past German success. But tactical analysts question whether this formation can adapt to modern football’s physical demands. Here’s what the data and coaches reveal.
Germany’s center-back partnership of Jonathan Tah and Niklas Schlotterbeck is reviving a defensive structure that once underpinned the nation’s footballing dominance: the “sandwich” system. Under this setup, a single striker is flanked by two defenders—one physically imposing, the other technically adept—creating a balance that stifles opposition attacks while maintaining verticality in possession.
According to DFB technical reports, the pairing has been a focal point of Julian Nagelsmann’s preparations ahead of Euro 2024, with both players logging significant minutes in recent friendlies. Tah, a 6’4” physical presence with aerial dominance, and Schlotterbeck, a ball-playing defender with elite passing metrics, embody the duality required for the system to function. But tactical experts warn that modern football’s increased physicality and pressing intensity may force Germany to adapt.
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