Kimmich in the DFB team: Lahm calls for return to midfield | OneFootball

Joshua Kimmich not only plays a central role at FC Bayern, but also leads the way as captain of the German national team. World champion Philipp Lahm, who was in a similar role, has now commented on Kimmich’s role at the DFB

Right-back or central midfield? This is the question national coach Julian Nagelsmann asks himself anew at every DFB training session when it comes to Joshua Kimmich. The captain has recently been playing more on the right side of defence for the national team. At FC Bayern, on the other hand, the 30-year-old controls the fortunes as a six-man in central midfield

One FCB and DFB legend who also has this flexibility and has been moved back and forth in the same positions is Philipp Lahm. The 2014 World Cup captain was deployed by then national coach Joachim Löw in Brazil at the start of the tournament on the six, but ultimately helped the team to the title in the knockout phase in the right-back position

Midfield, but not on the six: Lahm names „ideal position“ for Kimmich

Now Lahm drew a comparison between his situation back then and Kimmich’s current situation to Sport1: „My situation was a little different because Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira were two players coming back from long injuries. So I first played in midfield and then returned to the full-back position because it was better for the team. That’s why my situation was a little different,“ said Lahm

photo: IMAGO

He continued: „Of course, it helps a player to be in one position for a longer period of time. There are always exceptions, but Joshua Kimmich has proven that he can play both positions at a high level.“

When asked in which position Kimmich would be more valuable to the DFB, Lahm replied: „That might also depend on the personnel: Who else is available? I actually see him as an eighth, if I’m honest, with a six next to him. That would be my ideal position for Joshua Kimmich,“ the 42-year-old gave a clear assessment. Possible candidates alongside him would be team-mates from the ‚Bayern block‘, with whom Kimmich also plays together at the German record champions

The DFB’s need at right-back currently appears to be greater than in midfield. In the World Cup qualifiers, Kimmich also impressed as a tall right-back in front of a back three. However, Julian Nagelsmann may also take his cue from Lahm’s ideas and make changes to his starting line-up ahead of the World Cup finals.