Matthäus: Kimmich should return to Germany midfield, Pavlovic not ready | OneFootball

Joshua Kimmich is the undisputed midfield boss at FC Bayern, but in the national team he repeatedly has to fill in as a right-back. For Lothar Matthäus, this is a mistake. In his Sky column, the record national player makes it clear: The DFB captain clearly belongs in the center – ideally alongside Bayern youngster Aleksandar Pavlovic.

The former World Footballer praised Bayern’s recently strong double six: “At Bayern, Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic have recently formed the double six. Kimmich would also be set in midfield for me in the national team. Next to him, depending on the opponent, I would use Pavlovic or Leon Goretzka.”

For Matthäus, it is clear: Kimmich is the key figure in the German midfield – not only because of his quality, but above all because of his leadership skills. “We have a lot of quality in the center, but for me the greatest personality is Kimmich. Players like him should occupy the central positions. Just like Schweinsteiger and Khedira did at the 2014 World Cup.”

Pavlovic as a Partner for the Future

Photo: IMAGO

Matthäus also praised the rapid development of Aleksandar Pavlovic, who has impressed at FC Bayern alongside Kimmich. The 21-year-old brings the necessary pace, game intelligence, and a clear structure to the midfield, but is “not yet at the point where he leads the team.”

That’s why, from Matthäus’ point of view, Kimmich is needed as the strategic playmaker: “The one who is sought out in the game is Kimmich.”

Matthäus Wants Kimmich Permanently in the Center

Even though Kimmich remains an option as a right-back, Matthäus sees other possibilities there: “You could also shift Kimmich over to the right side of defense now and then, but basically I see him in the double six. As a right-back, you can also use someone who may not play as spectacularly, but who has done his homework at his club.”

While Julian Nagelsmann declared in July that Kimmich would again be used in his favorite position in midfield in the future, a reversal followed in September. The national coach ordered the Bayern star back to the right-back position.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.