Highs and Lows for the DFB: Kimmich Shines, Gnabry Makes a Costly Mistake | OneFootball

Jürgen Klopp’s perfect debut fell through at the last minute. The German national team could not manage more than a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in their Nations League opener. Cody Gakpo scored the late equalizer for the Oranje in stoppage time.

From FC Bayern’s perspective, it was a rather mixed evening. Joshua Kimmich impressed in central midfield, while Serge Gnabry played an unfortunate role in the goal conceded. Nathaniel Brown and Jonathan Tah were also in the starting lineup.

Jamal Musiala, on the other hand, had to sit out at the last minute. The 23-year-old felt discomfort in his thigh during warm-ups and was pulled from the lineup as a precaution. Nadiem Amiri took his place in the starting lineup.

Kimmich Shines in His Preferred Role

Kimmich put on a strong performance. As Klopp had announced, the DFB captain once again played in central midfield, where he exuded a sense of calm. With his precise passing, he controlled Germany’s play and was also instrumental in setting up the opening goal.

With a precise diagonal pass, Kimmich set up the play that ultimately led to Felix Nmecha’s 1-0 goal. Overall, the Bayern star appeared composed and confident. His return to the center seems to suit him well.

Jonathan Tah, on the other hand, got off to a somewhat shaky start. The center back took some high risks in the build-up play and was lucky early on that a collision with Brian Brobbey in the penalty area had no consequences. Tah then improved significantly and didn’t make any major mistakes, either in one-on-one situations or in building up play.

Brown struggled – Gnabry made a mistake before the 1-1

Photo: IMAGO

Nathaniel Brown initially had to deal with Crysencio Summerville on the left flank and struggled somewhat with his speed. As the game progressed, however, the Bayern newcomer grew bolder and became more involved in the attack.

Brown demonstrated his speed, among other things, in a footrace against Virgil van Dijk. After the break, however, he faced tougher defensive challenges. Denzel Dumfries, in particular, caused him problems with his physicality. On the late 1-1 equalizer, Gakpo was finally able to shake off Brown and score the goal.

The closing stages were particularly bitter for Gnabry. The 31-year-old came on as a substitute for Karim Adeyemi in the 80th minute and was expected to help preserve the narrow lead.

Shortly before the end, however, Gnabry lost the ball and was thus largely responsible for the Dutch equalizer. A short time later, Gakpo scored to make it 1-1.

Thus, the performance of the Bayern quartet leaves a mixed impression. Kimmich, in particular, delivered a convincing performance in Klopp’s debut. Gnabry, on the other hand, is likely to be especially hard on himself over that decisive moment in the closing stages.