Fitter than ever? Nagelsmann puts his faith in Dortmund star Schlotterbeck | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund's defensive leader Nico Schlotterbeck is in top form after his injury break. On Monday evening, he is expected to stabilize the defense of the German national team in Belfast.

Nico Schlotterbeck is set for another important appearance in the national team jersey. When the German team faces Northern Ireland in the World Cup qualifier in Belfast on Monday evening (8:45 PM/RTL), national coach Julian Nagelsmann is once again relying on the Borussia Dortmund center-back – and with great confidence.

After a long injury break, the 25-year-old has made an impressive comeback. "I am in very good shape. I've rarely been this well-trained," Schlotterbeck explained, noting that after a meniscus tear, he had "five and a half months" to prepare. Physically, he feels "fitter than ever."

His comeback in the test match against Luxembourg was promising. National coach Nagelsmann was also satisfied with his protégé's performance: "Many things we saw from the backline were good," the coach said, emphasizing: "Schlotti is Schlotti, he's always confident."

The mutual appreciation between coach and player seems to be significant. Schlotterbeck reported that Nagelsmann regularly inquired about his well-being during his rehab period. "I'm glad that he now relies on me so much," said the center-back. "The mutual appreciation is great."

BVB Defensive Leader Schlotterbeck and Bayern Star Tah Harmonize on the Field

The next test awaits in the heated Windsor Park of Belfast. The hosts have been unbeaten there for two years – a challenge Schlotterbeck is looking forward to: "I believe that as a footballer, you wait for such games. I play in Dortmund every other week in front of 80,000. Here it's smaller, but just as loud."

Alongside Jonathan Tah, the BVB defensive leader forms the central defense. Both seem to understand each other well. "He is very communicative on the field," praised the Dortmund player about his partner. "We complement each other well. For me, playing with the ball might be a bit more interesting. For that, he is the better defender."

Nagelsmann is likely to appreciate this harmony. After the clear 4-0 victory against Luxembourg, the national coach seems to have found his desired formation in defense. With Tah and Schlotterbeck in the center and Joshua Kimmich and David Raum on the flanks, the defense is expected to provide stability in the future – and BVB star Nico Schlotterbeck plays a key role in this.

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