DFB's Future Positions Kimmich as Sixth Player: He Remains Adaptable
Julian Nagelsmann Shifts Joshua Kimmich to Defensive Midfield for Germany
German national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, has announced plans to move Joshua Kimmich from his current right-back position to the defensive midfield role, also known as the "number six" position, ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Nagelsmann believes that Kimmich, who consistently plays in the midfield role at Bayern Munich, will be better prepared for the tournament if he returns to his central position. The coach pointed out that many alternative candidates for the midfield have limited playing time at their clubs, which could impact their form and readiness.
"I consider Kimmich as one of the few players who will always play in the defensive midfield position in my club," Nagelsmann said at a coaches' congress. "Given the short preparation time before the World Cup and Kimmich’s guaranteed club minutes, I believe returning him to midfield will benefit Germany’s overall team performance."
Kimmich, who is the captain of the German football national team, expressed his openness to playing wherever Nagelsmann requests him to play. The versatile player has seen versatility as a strength since the beginning of his career.
Nagelsmann has envisioned how Kimmich would perform in the defensive midfield role for the German national team. The coach believes that Kimmich's class is unmatched by other candidates for the "heart of every team."
The move comes as Germany prepares for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia on September 4 in Bratislava and Northern Ireland on September 7 in Cologne. The 2026 World Cup will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Kimmich, who is 30 years old, has revealed that he was informed about the tactical change by coach Nagelsmann before it was made public. The player expressed his excitement about being able to play several positions.
If the planned right-back candidates underperform, Kimmich's role could be revisited, but currently, the plan is to restore him to a position where he has shown consistent quality.
This strategic decision aims to minimize risk and maximize Germany's midfield stability going into the tournament. Nagelsmann plans to use Kimmich in the defensive midfield role instead of as a right-back for the German national team.
Kimmich, who currently plays in the defensive midfield position for FC Bayern, made these comments after the 2:1 victory in the first summer test against Olympique Lyon.
"Julian Nagelsmann plans to utilize Kimmich's experience in midfield for the German national team's 2026 World Cup preparations, given his consistent play in that position at FC Bayern Munich."
"Nagelsmann regards Kimmich's midfield role as crucial for Germany's team performance, considering his unparalleled class compared to other candidates for the defensive midfield position."
