A Century with the National Team: Joshua Kimmich's Journey
Jubilee Celebration as Kimmich Assumes Leadership Role within Winners' Faction
In the heart of Germany's defense stands Joshua Kimmich, ready to conquer the pitch in his 100th international match - a remarkable feat that humbly acknowledges his consistent performance over nine years with the team. The upcoming Nations League final tournament offers a promising opportunity to add a "small title" to his impressive career, potentially culminating in a final against Spain or France.
Kimmich, now 30, dreams of something even bigger: a World Cup title with the national team. Despite the ups and downs he's faced, including disheartening performances in major tournaments like the World Cup and European Championship, the talented defender maintains his determination to achieve glory for Germany.
A Promising Players' Journey
Kimmich's journey with the German national team began with an unfortunate debut against Slovakia in May 2016, followed by a disappointing semi-final exit at the subsequent European Championship in France. However, just a year later, he was instrumental in Germany's victory at the Confederations Cup in Russia.
Despite the initial setbacks, Kimmich remained resilient, weathering the storms of underperforming tournaments from the 2018 World Cup to the 2021 European Championship, eventually culminating in another group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup. Now, he's the face of a generation striving for victory.
Reflecting on his time with the national team, Kimmich acknowledges the challenges, specifically the disappointing World Cups. Nevertheless, he speaks maturely about these experiences without bitterness. When asked about his most memorable match, Kimmich recalls the dramatic quarter-final loss against Spain at the home European Championship last year, which still lingers in his memory. There's a possibility of a rematch this week, with a Final against Spain or France on Sunday.
From Tenacious to Role Model
Being a leader comes with its own set of challenges. Kimmich, as a committed and ambitious player, has faced his fair share of scrutiny from critics. However, when he succeeds, he becoming a role model for others. The debate about his best position – defensive midfielder or right-back – has been a longstanding topic.
Under the new leadership of coach Julian Nagelsmann, Kimmich has emerged as the clear leader of a promising new era for the German national team. Fans can once again take pride in their team, as Kimmich spearheads a transformation towards a victorious team dynamic[1].
Inside the DFB, Kimmich enjoys the highest esteem. Striker Niclas Füllkrug expresses "respect" for Kimmich's consistency over the years, and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen describes his long-standing teammate as "phenomenal". The promotion to captain was a logical step for the goalkeeper, who admires Kimmich's leadership qualities[1].
Nagelsmann praises Kimmich's outstanding performance as captain and his exceptional ability to connect with the team's support staff, bringing the big picture into focus[1]. However, Kimmich's sporting legacy remains incomplete. Despite reaching the 100-game mark, he is the only member of this group without a World Cup title. Nagelsmann and sporting director Rudi Völler have faith in Kimmich's future success[1].
Matthäus and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, both in their 40s, serve as reminders that Kimmich still has time to build on his impressive career and achieve greatness[1]. The national team is preparing for the World Cup in 2026, but Kimmich might very well continue to excel even beyond that, setting his sights on the 2030 or even the 2034 tournament[1].
As Kimmich approaches his 101st international match and the prospect of lifting the winner's trophy in the Allianz Arena, his desire for a major title with the national team remains unquenched. The road to victory is long, but for the tenacious Joshua Kimmich, it's just another challenge to conquer.
References:
- [1] DPA (2023, October 17). Joshua Kimmich sees his 100th international match as a "great honor". [Article]. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/soccer/dpa-joshua-kimmich-sees-his-100th-international-match-as-a-great-honor-6827334
- [2] enrichment data (2023, October 22). Joshua Kimmich's International Career. [Information]. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://enrichment-data.com/joshua-kimmich-international-career
In the National Team's pursuit for glory, Joshua Kimmich aims to secure a World Cup title, a feat that will complete his trophy collection in European-leagues and beyond. Despite a few setbacks, including World Cup and European Championship underperformance, Kimmich's determination remains unwavering, as he looks forward to leading Germany to victory.
