DFB striker Niclas Füllkrug will miss the Nations League match against the Netherlands. National coach Julian Nagelsmann is looking for the perfect piece of the puzzle. Who should play as striker for Germany?
After eleven minutes it was over! Niclas Füllkrug broke off the final session in the Johan Cruyff Arena early on Monday evening and disappeared into the catacombs after consulting with Julian Nagelsmann – accompanied by team doctor Dr. Jochen Hahne. The blue tape on the 31-year-old’s left lower leg had not had the desired effect.
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The problem: the calf and Achilles tendon.
After SPORTS1According to information, Füllkrug has returned to the pitch, but he was unable to train with the team afterwards. It is now clear: The DFB striker will be missing against the Netherlands (LIVETICKER).
Nagelsmann’s fears come true
The day before, national coach Julian Nagelsmann had feared at the press conference that the 31-year-old would be absent: “It is not yet clear whether he can play.”
Annoying! Especially against Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk in the Dutch central defence, the national coach would probably have liked to have had Füllkrug as a robust target player in the first eleven.
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Who should replace the crowd favourite who put the DFB team in the lead against Hungary?
The most logical and obvious solution: Kai Havertz. Against Hungary, the Arsenal star played as a withdrawn number ten. Now the 25-year-old could move into the striker role, as he did at the European Championships.
Is it Beier, Undav or even Pavlovic’s turn?
Maximilian Beier and Deniz Undav would then probably be the hottest candidates for the offensive midfield position. Both the BVB newcomer, who came on for Füllkrug against Hungary, and the Stuttgart player are flexible and could also play directly up front, alternating with Havertz.
But Nagelsmann could also surprise the offensively strong Dutch team by choosing a more defensive approach. Then the Bayern youngster’s time could come: Aleksandar Pavlovic had already advertised his place in the starting eleven on Saturday. After being substituted against Hungary (60th minute), the 20-year-old did extremely well, even scoring the 4-0 – his debut goal for the German national team.
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It is unlikely that Pavlovic will displace a number six. Rather, the Munich player would strengthen the central defensive midfield.
Both Pavlovic and Groß could use their offensive qualities to move forward more often. Defensive security would still be there.
