2014 champions, Germany a team to watch out for as we look at their best predicted starting 11 for FIFA World Cup 2022.
The 2014 World Cup winners, Germany have been one of the strongest performers in Multi-team championships like the World Cups and the UEFA Euros. They have reached the finals of the World Cup 5 times in the last 10 World Cups which is absolutely amazing.
However, Germany’s current team isn’t as strong as their older counterparts. The team has changed a lot since the last world cup, and is not defensively as strong as the older German teams were. But Germany still have top players in their squad who can turn the tide for the team.
Hansi Flick has played 15 games with Germany, and have lost just 1 game under his watch. They are entering the tournament with a winning form, and were able to win 9 out of 10 games during the World Cup qualifiers. With the group having Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica, Germany should be able to easily move into the knockouts this year.
Meanwhile, Germany have also been hit with injuries to Tino Werner and Marco Reus. They have also decided to leave Matt Hummels out of the squad for this world cup. With a shocking group stage exit in the 2018 World cup in Russia, Germany will be looking to make sure they are able to perform at the top level to win the World Cup.
So, as we wait for the tournament to begin, let’s look at the best predicted starting 11 for Germany for FIFA World Cup 2022.
Best Predicted Starting 11 for Germany for FIFA World Cup 2022:
Formation
Germany has most regularly used a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 formation in the recent few years. However, Flick has preferred the 4-2-3-1 as it allows his team to play in an attacking shape that involves seven players advancing to attack when required.
Goalkeeper
Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer is playing his 4th World Cup this year, and has tremendous experience for both club and country in goal. He is also among the few players who are still playing from the 2016 World Cup winning squad. While Neuer has competition in Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the former will still be the favorite to start games in Qatar.
Defenders
David Raum (LB)
The 24-year-old RB Leipzig has become the favorite for the left-back position under Hansi Flick. He is a versatile winger who can play both Left back and Left midfield depending on what the team needs. Raum has regularly started for both club and country, and he would be looking forward to showcasing his game at this World Cup.
Antonio Rüdiger (CB)
Antonio Rudiger at 29 years of age is the main man in Germany’s defence at this world cup. Even as Rudiger is back from an injury, he should be a definite starter in Hansi Flick’s World Cup team. Moreover, Rudiger has been fantastic for Chelsea in the last few years and at Real Madrid now.
Niklas Süle (CB)
While Germany is missing the experience of Matt Hummels in defence, Niklas Sule’s chemistry with Rudiger will almost neutralize the loss of Hummels. Sule is a key player for Dortmund with 12 starts this season. Sule can also play right wing in defence, but he is preferred in the central role for Germany.
Thilo Kehrer (RB)
Kehrer has been a regular starter for Westham United, and has been playing really well at the Club level. Kehrer has been a part of Flick’s Germany team where he has played 12/15 games. He will be playing the role of Right back for the German team, and will be a crucial player in German’s defence.
Mid-Fielders
Joshua Kimmich (CM)
Kimmich is one of the sure-shot starters in the playing 11 for Germany. This season, he has 3 goals and 6 assists for Bayern which highlights his stunning form. Kimmich has also played almost all games under Flick unless he was unwell. He was also captain for Germany a few times, and is one of the key players for Germany who knows how to control the midfield.
Ilkay Gündogan (CM)
Gundogan has been playing in the Central Midfield in a slightly more attacking role at Manchester City. But for Germany, we would see him playing as more of a holding midfielder. This will provide more freedom while attacking to the likes of Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry. Gundogan will have competition from Leon Goretzka to start games, but given his experience, we should see him starting more games than not.
Attackers
Serge Gnabry
This 27-year-old Bayern Munich player should be part of the starting XI at the world cup this year. Gnarby and Sane have been playing well together at Bayern which shows their chemistry. Gnabry has scored 10 goals and 10 assists in 23 games for the club. He has also played in the German team and scored crucial goals in the world cup qualification.
Leroy Sané
Leroy Sane is in scintillating form this season. He has scored 10 goals and 6 assists in 19 games for Bayern Munich. Being a regular starter for Germany in the last 3 years, Sane has scored multiple goals and assists from his Left Wing position. He will be an important part of the team this year, and Flick will be hoping Sane scores for the country in crucial matches.
Thomas Müller
Just before the world cup, Thomas Muller had an injury concern. But it seems he will be fit and back in time for the first game. It will be interesting to see if Flick chooses Muller over the youngster Jamal Musiala in the initial few games. Undoubtedly, Muller has tremendous experience playing for Germany at the top level, and will be a key player both on-field and in the dressing room.
Kai Havertz
In the absence of any striker in the squad, Kai Havertz will be playing the No.9 role for the team. It will be interesting to see how well he does in this role-playing instead of the injured Timo Werner. Kai has scored 10 goals and made 11 assists in 31 appearances for Germany. Kai along with Sane and Gnabry will be one of the best front-3 we will see in this World Cup.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Best Predicted Starting 11 for Germany
GK: Manuel Neuer
Defenders: David Raum (LB), Antonio Rüdiger (CB), Niklas Süle (CB) & Thilo Kehrer (RB)
Mid-field: Joshua Kimmich (CM) & Ilkay Gündogan (CM)
Attackers: Serge Gnabry (RF), Thomas Müller (CF), Leroy Sané (LF) and Kai Havertz (ST)
Thanks for reading! What’s your starting 11 for Germany for FIFA World Cup 2022? Please email your thoughts to footbalyticsofficial@gmail.com
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Ayush is an author at Footbalytics. He is an avid football fan. He loves to play and follow the sport, and has been following club football since 2005, and has been playing the fantasy premier league for over 10 years.