Joshua Kimmich’s Right-Back Struggles Raise Questions Ahead of Critical Tournament Phase
Joshua Kimmich’s recent defensive lapses while playing as a right-back have intensified scrutiny over Germany’s tactical approach, with analysts and fans debating whether coach Hansi Flick must adjust his strategy to avoid jeopardizing the team’s tournament ambitions. Multiple reports highlight recurring vulnerabilities in Kimmich’s positioning and decision-making, raising concerns about his suitability for the role.
The issue came to a head during Germany’s recent 2-1 defeat to Spain, where Kimmich’s failure to track overlapping wingers left gaps in the defense, according to kicker.de. “His lack of composure in one-on-one situations and delayed recovery runs were glaring,” said a match analyst for Sport1. “It’s a role he’s not fully adapted to yet.”
Why Kimmich’s Right-Back Role Concerns German Fans?
Kimmich, 27, has primarily been a central midfielder throughout his career, earning acclaim for his vision and passing accuracy. However, injuries to regular right-backs like Lukas Klostermann and David Raum forced Flick to reassign Kimmich to the position in the last two international fixtures. The experiment has drawn mixed reactions.
“It’s a high-risk move,” said former Bundesliga defender Philipp Lahm in an interview with ZDF. “Kimmich’s strengths lie in midfield, where he can dictate play. Pushing him to the backline risks exposing his weaknesses.”
Stats from the past season underscore the challenge. In 12 Bundesliga matches this term, Kimmich averaged 1.2 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game as a right-back, below the league average for full-backs. His defensive rating, according to Transfermarkt, ranks 18th among German league right-backs.
What Are the Tactical Implications?
Flick’s decision to deploy Kimmich in defense stems from a broader strategy to bolster midfield control. By shifting Kimmich, the coach aims to create a 4-2-3-1 formation that prioritizes possession, with Kimmich acting as a “deep-lying playmaker” rather than a traditional full-back. However, critics argue this approach has left the wing exposed.
“The risk is that opponents exploit the space between Kimmich and the central defenders,” said Sportschau analyst Marcel Koller. “In the Spain game, we saw that twice—once in the 35th minute and again after halftime.”
Comparisons to past international tournaments highlight the stakes. In the 2018 World Cup, Germany’s reliance on defensive midfielder Christoph Kramer led to a 1-0 loss to Sweden, a result that contributed to their early exit. While Kimmich’s role differs, the underlying concern is similar: overloading a player with responsibilities beyond his expertise.
How Has Kimmich Responded to the Challenge?
Kimmich has acknowledged the difficulties, stating in a press conference: “I’m still learning the nuances of the right-back position. It’s a new challenge, and I’m focused on improving.”
His performance in the 3-2 win over Portugal, where he contributed two key passes and won 65% of his duels, offered a glimmer of hope. However, the same match also saw him concede a penalty after a misplaced pass, a mistake that cost Germany the lead.
Bayern Munich’s medical staff has confirmed Kimmich is free of injury, according to Bild. The issue, then, appears to be tactical rather than physical—a distinction that complicates Flick’s options.
What Are the Alternatives for Germany’s Coach?
With the knockout stage approaching, Flick faces a critical decision. Options include reverting to a three-man backline, rotating in younger defenders, or even shifting Kimmich back to midfield. Each choice carries risks.
“A three-back system could alleviate pressure on Kimmich,” said Heute sports editor Anna Meier. “But it also requires a defensive midfielder with the composure to anchor the backline—a role currently filled by Joshua.”
Younger players like Florian Wirtz and Leon Goretzka have been
