Matthäus disagrees with Nagelsmann: BVB star should start at the World Cup | OneFootball

Following statements by national coach Julian Nagelsmann regarding Leon Goretzka's potential role in the World Cup, Lothar Matthäus has now spoken out. The record national player clearly disagrees and sees Aleksandar Pavlovic and BVB star Felix Nmecha as the frontrunners in the DFB midfield.

The discussion about the possible World Cup squad of the German national team is gaining momentum. The trigger is an interview with national coach Julian Nagelsmann in kicker, where he provided insights into his plans for the tournament next summer in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Particularly, his assessment of the central midfield lineup is now facing opposition from record national player Lothar Matthäus.

Nagelsmann recently hinted that Leon Goretzka could play an important role in the DFB team. The Bayern professional brings qualities that are rather rare in the current squad. As an offensive part of the double six, he is "a really stable, strong-tackling six," who can also become a goal threat. "Because he is someone who goes into the penalty area, is strong in the air, and brings good momentum," explained the national coach.

Other midfielders like Pascal Groß, Angelo Stiller, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha, or Robert Andrich, according to Nagelsmann, are more player types "who all want the ball."

Matthäus advocates for BVB professional Nmecha

However, Matthäus does not share this assessment. In his Sky column, the 1990 World Champion clearly advocates for a different solution in the center. "For me, Pavlovic and Nmecha are set on the double six, even if Nagelsmann sees both playing in the same way," wrote Matthäus and made it clear: "I have a different opinion than Julian."

Photo: IMAGO

According to the 64-year-old, the two midfielders even complement each other well. While Pavlovic is particularly strong in build-up play and ball recovery, Matthäus sees Nmecha's strengths more in dynamic forward play. "I believe that Pavlovic is more about retrieving the ball and Nmecha drives the ball from box to box." The former World Footballer justifies his assessment with his own experience: "I know what I'm talking about, having played in the six, eight, and ten positions myself."

Despite his criticism, Matthäus would still include Goretzka in the World Cup squad – but not as the first option in central midfield. Nmecha's current form also speaks for him. The 25-year-old is having a strong season at Borussia Dortmund and has recently returned to action for the national team. In the international matches against Luxembourg and Slovakia, the BVB star was substituted in each time.

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