Future of DFB hovering as sixth: Kimmich's adaptability guaranteed
Joshua Kimmich to Return to Defensive Midfield Role for Germany, According to Coach Nagelsmann
Joshua Kimmich, the versatile Bayern Munich and Germany national team player, is set to return to his favoured defensive midfield position for the upcoming international matches, as announced by head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Kimmich, who has been primarily playing as a right-back for the German national team, has been a central figure in Bayern Munich's midfield for nearly a decade. His precision in passing, tactical intelligence, and ability to break up opposition play have made him one of Europe's top midfielders.
Nagelsmann believes that having Kimmich in front of the defense could increase Germany's chances in the World Cup 2026. However, he did not specify the other right-back candidates for the upcoming games against Slovakia in Bratislava on September 4 and Northern Ireland in Cologne on September 7.
Kimmich, who finds it exciting to be able to play multiple positions, considers his versatility a strength. He recently demonstrated his prowess in the defensive midfield role in a 2:1 win against Olympique Lyon.
The German coach considers Kimmich as one of the two or three players who will always play in his club's heart of the team. He also stated that other candidates for the defensive midfield role do not possess Kimmich's class.
Nagelsmann's comments were made during a coaches' congress. Kimmich, who has a long-term contract with Bayern Munich extending through 2029, is a highly successful defensive midfielder and versatile player for both clubs. Despite competition from other world-class defensive midfielders like Casemiro and N’Golo Kanté, Kimmich remains among the elite, combining defensive solidity with tactical versatility and playmaking skills.
Joshua Kimmich, after demonstrating his capabilities in the defensive midfield role during a match against Olympique Lyon, might now apply for a permanent position in that role for the German national team. Nagelsmann, impressed by Kimmich's versatility and class, is considering him for the upcoming international matches, including those in sports like football, such as against Slovakia and Northern Ireland.
