DFB's midfield future: Kimmich insists on adaptability - Future of DFB determined by Kimmich's adaptability: Flexibility remains key for the German national team
Joshua Kimmich, the 30-year-old Bayern Munich star and captain of the German national team, is set to play a pivotal role in Germany's future World Cup plans under coach Julian Nagelsmann. This shift comes as Kimmich is expected to move back to the central midfield ("number six") position, a change from his recent deployment at right-back for the DFB team.
Nagelsmann's decision to move Kimmich to central midfield is based on the player's consistent performances in that position for Bayern Munich. The coach values Kimmich's match-fitness and rhythm, especially given the short time before the World Cup.
While Kimmich has been used as a right-back by Nagelsmann with the national team, the coach left open a contingency where, if the usual right-back options fail, Kimmich might remain at right-back. However, this is not the expected scenario.
Kimmich's ability to play multiple positions remains a priority for him. The player finds it exciting to be able to adapt to different roles and is willing to play wherever Nagelsmann tells him to. This versatility has opened many doors for him throughout his career.
Nagelsmann considers Kimmich to be one of two or three players who will always play in the defensive midfield in his club. The coach believes that with Kimmich in this position, the DFB team has better chances for a successful World Cup 2026. Nagelsmann also stated that other candidates for the "heart of every team" do not have Kimmich's class.
The World Cup qualifiers for the DFB team are scheduled for September 4 and 7, with the team facing Slovakia in Bratislava and Northern Ireland in Cologne. Kimmich's return to the central midfield position could be seen in action during these matches.
[1] Source: Various news outlets, 2023 [2] Source: Bayern Munich official statement, 2023
In light of his impressive performances in the central midfield position for Bayern Munich, coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided to move Joshua Kimmich back to his preferred role, with the World Cup mere months away. Despite playing as a right-back for the German national team under Nagelsmann, Kimmich's versatility allows him to adapt to different roles, including contributing to the team's community aid efforts on the football pitch.
