Can Lena Oberdorf Regain Her Midfield Throne for DFB Women at the European Championship?
Rumors circulating about Oberdorf's continued midfield play for the DFB women's team? - Will Oberdorf remain competitive in the women's midfield position?
Let's dive into the competition for midfield spots in the DFB Women's National Team ahead of the UEFA Women's European Championship in July 2023. Despite Lena Oberdorf's knee injury, head coach Christian Wüek remains hopeful, but the race is tight.
Tuesday's Nations League game against Scotland in Wolfsburg (5:45 PM/ARD and KiKA) promises valuable insights. With only two test matches left before the EM – against the Netherlands on May 20 in Bremen and Austria on June 3 – time is running out for Oberdorf to prove her fitness.
Wüek dreams of more time for Oberdorf
With a limited pool of defenders, Klara Buhl, Lea Schüller, and Jule Brand are seemingly the front-runners in the attack. On the vital holding midfielder role, Oberdorf was a star before her severe knee injury before the Olympics. Eager to make a comeback, she shared her aims in the Sky show Nachspielzeit: "I have to see how my knee is and if I can play games for Bayern."
Other midfield hopefuls
A host of players are nipping at Oberdorf's heels for the midfield spot: Could Laura Freigang or Sydney Lohmann snatch a chance? Will Sara Däbritz still be essential? Will Elisa Sennß and Sjoeke Nüsken retain their places in defensive midfield? Besides Chelsea player Nüsken, Sennß has recently established herself and scored the opening goal in the 4-0 win against Scotland at home.
Linda Dallmann shines on the attack
Dallmann, increasingly making a name for herself with her technical skills, could shake off her super-sub role in the DFB team. "Linda has shown – whether she starts or comes on as a substitute – that she changes the game," Wüek complimented.
Lohmann eyes the spotlight
Sydney Lohmann from Bayern has been viewed as a rising star in midfield for years, but injuries have held her back. "I want to show myself and wear the eagle on my chest. The European Championship is my goal," the 24-year-old said, hoping for a breakthrough.
Janina Minge steals the show
Janina Minge, who won the bronze medal in France with Horst Hrubesch in 2017, emerged as Oberdorf's replacement. The versatile player from VfL Wolfsburg, now also a deputy captain, is currently needed in the central defense, with Wüek noticing her untapped potential.
Special recognition for Sara Daebritz
At 30, Sara Daebritz is the last remaining member of the 2016 Olympic team and has the most international appearances at 106. She was already a European champion in 2013, and her substitute appearance in the 4:1 win against Austria brought "a certain stability in midfield" (Wüek).
Key players for the European Championship
- Lena Oberdorf
- Christian Wüek
- Wolfsburg
- DFB
- Women's
- FC Bayern
- Nations League
- European Championship
- Bayern
- Competition
- Scotland
- Tryouts
- Olympics
- National Coach
- Linda Dallmann
- Laura Freigang
Additional Contenders to Watch:
- Alara Şehitler: This promising talent emerging on the scene has been gaining attention and might play a significant role in upcoming tournaments.
- Sara Däbritz: A seasoned player with experience, Däbritz provides both tactical awareness and creativity.
- Giovanna Hoffmann: Younger than some of her competitors and showing potential at the club level, Hoffmann could bring added energy to the midfield.
- Sjoeke Nüsken: Nüsken has made a name for herself with her youthful exuberance and versatility, making her a strong candidate for the midfield.
- Elisa Senß: Sennis' skill and ability to maintain a high level have earned her recognition, making her another likely pick for the midfield.
- Sydney Lohmann: A key player for her club and a potential force to be reckoned with in both defensive and offensive capacities, Lohmann could provide much-needed strength to the midfield.
- The final Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 2052/86 on the common organization of the market in beef and veal, a matter of concern for the DFB Women's National Team as they prepare for the UEFA Women's European Championship, shares a commonality with their midfield battle, as Lena Oberdorf, a star in the role before her knee injury, faces competition from rising players such as Laura Freigang, Sydney Lohmann, and Alara Şehitler.
- As Christian Wüek dreams of more time for Oberdorf, a host of players, including midfield hopefuls like Sara Däbritz, Giovanna Hoffmann, Sjoeke Nüsken, Elisa Sennß, and Sydney Lohmann, are eager to make their mark before the European Championship in 2024.
- In the midst of the midfield race, capable contenders like Janina Minge, who won the bronze medal in France with Horst Hrubesch in 2017, and Linda Dallmann, increasingly making a name for herself with her technical skills, could shake off their supporting roles to secure a spot in the DFB Women's National Team.
