DFB's potential future roster includes Kimmich as a versatile player
Julian Nagelsmann, the head coach of the German national team, has announced a strategic repositioning of Joshua Kimmich for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Kimmich, currently a defensive midfielder for FC Bayern Munich, will now occupy the same role for the national team.
Speaking at a coaching congress, Nagelsmann praised Kimmich's class, stating that other candidates for the "heart of every team" do not possess the same qualities. He believes that the defensive midfield, often referred to as the "number six", is the critical central zone requiring players fully comfortable and "in rhythm" there.
Nagelsmann sees the defensive midfield as the "beating heart" of the team’s structure and considers Kimmich one of the top three players in Europe suited to that position. This move aligns with Nagelsmann’s tactical plans and structural adjustments designed to have players in "rhythm" by playing in their natural roles, which creates better team coherence and performance potential for the 2026 World Cup.
However, Nagelsmann retains Kimmich as a capable right-back option if required, given his strong performances in that position. The decision to move Kimmich to defensive midfield is based on playing him in the position he regularly occupies at his club, where he excels the most.
Kimmich himself has expressed his openness to the change, stating that his ability to play multiple positions has been a strength throughout his career. He finds it interesting to be able to play in different roles and values the flexibility this offers.
In the upcoming international matches, Germany will face Slovakia in Bratislava on September 4 and Northern Ireland in Cologne on September 7, both for World Cup qualifiers. Nagelsmann believes that having Kimmich in the defensive midfield role increases Germany's chances for a successful World Cup 2026, which will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
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Nagelsmann's strategic shift for the World Cup qualifiers includes moving Kimmich to the defensive midfield, a role he believes is crucial for the team's structure due to its central position. This move is backed by Kimmich's exceptional performance in the same role at FC Bayern Munich, making him one of the top three players in Europe for the "number six" position, often referred to as the "beating heart" of the team.
