Bayern Munich stars Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer, plus İlkay Gündoğan, and Toni Kroos. These are the names of four exceptionally talented players who Germany is now without after EURO 2024. You would be forgiven for thinking that Germany might struggle following the departure of such influential players, but Julian Nagelsmann’s boys put all doubts to bed in a dominant 5-0 victory over Hungary. The only question remaining, is which players stood out from the rest?
Jersey Swap: Dominik Szoboszlai
Hungary never really looked like it was going to challenge Germany, but there were a few Hungarian players who put in somewhat decent shifts. Rolland Sallai looked to be one of the players most likely to make something happen for the away team as he held up the ball well and fashioned a few chances for himself and his teammates, but it was his captain Dominik Szoboszlai who was his team’s best performer. Szoboszlai put in an industrious performance, making a nine recoveries and eight passes into the final third, the second most of any player on the pitch in those categories (FotMob).
The Emperor: Joshua Kimmich
Germany’s defense didn’t have too much to do on the night, but Kimmich managed to impress on the ball in his first match as Germany’s go-to captain. Kimmich maintained a 92% pass completion rate (FotMob) as he combined well with his colleagues in the German attack.
Football God: Pascal Groß
Questions of who might fill the Toni Kroos role have been sufficiently answered (for this match at least) with Pascal Groß putting in an impressive display acting as Germany’s metronome in the base of midfield. Groß completed a cool 91% of his passes (FotMob), which included a gorgeous ball over the top of the Hungarian backline for Florian Wirtz to collect in the buildup for Germany’s first goal, and a cross onto the head of Kai Havertz that led to the Arsenal FC man finding the underside of the crossbar but unfortunately missing out on the goal.
Der Bomber: Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz wasn’t just close to glory following his header attempt from the aforementioned Pascal Groß cross but found himself hitting the woodwork once again, this time off of a volley in the second half. Not only was Havertz a goal threat, but the player combined well with teammates Wirtz and Jamal Musiala throughout the evening. Havertz eventually got his reward, winning and converting a penalty to score Germany’s fifth goal in the 81st minute of the match.
Champions of the Match: Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz
No longer the future of German football but the present as well, Musiala and Wirtz are incredible talents. The two combined on numerous occasions each assisting each other for a goal a piece, with Musiala collecting an additional two assists for a total of six goal contributions between the pair. While Musiala’s hattrick of assists might seem a valid reason for him to pip Wirtz to the award, Wirtz was often times equally involved in the same attacking moves with just as important contributions, it just so happened that more assists fell to Musiala over Wirtz. The level of dribbling and passing play from each player was of the highest magnitude. Other nations better watch out, because these two are capable of dominating any opposition.
