New competition for Tah! Will things get tough for the Bayern star under Klopp? | OneFootball

At FC Bayern, Jonathan Tah is currently a force to be reckoned with. The 30-year-old is one of the key figures in Vincent Kompany’s defense. Tah is also in a strong position as the German national team enters a new era under Jürgen Klopp. But the competition isn’t standing still.

Waldemar Anton, in particular, is making a name for himself right now. The Borussia Dortmund center back is in top form at the start of the season and is a key factor in BVB’s solid defense. This could also intensify the competition for spots in Klopp’s defensive core.

Lothar Matthäus, however, still sees Tah firmly in the starting lineup. Ahead of the Nations League opener against the Netherlands, the all-time leading international told Sky: “In defense, I see Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck as locks.”

Anton is putting pressure on Tah and Schlotterbeck

However, there’s no guarantee that this lineup will hold up in the long run. Anton is one of the most consistent players on the current Bundesliga leaders. Dortmund conceded just two goals in their first four league games and kept three clean sheets.

Last season, BVB already boasted the Bundesliga’s best defense, conceding just 34 goals. After an injury-plagued first season in Dortmund, Anton has since established himself as a mainstay.

BVB coach Niko Kovac has already described him as a “total constant.” Most recently, the Dortmund coach went a step further: “He’s a leader. Someone who leads from the front. He thinks, eats, sleeps, and breathes soccer 24/7. Someone who supports his teammates, never gives up, and gives everything for the team—a role model.”

These are qualities that are likely to be in demand on the German national team as well. Klopp has made it clear on several occasions that every national team player must earn further call-ups through performance.

Tah is off to a strong start in the Klopp era

Photo: Getty Images

Still, there’s no reason for Tah to fundamentally question his position just yet. The Bayern pro brings international experience to the table and also plays an important role in Munich.

Competition for playing time could still intensify in the coming months. In addition to Tah and Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck is another established center back at the club’s disposal. Then there are players like Finn Jeltsch, whom Klopp is already introducing to the senior national team.

Anton, in particular, is likely breathing down Tah and Schlotterbeck’s necks right now. His performances at BVB provide a strong case for more playing time in the DFB jersey.

Whether Tah actually has to worry about losing his starting spot will only become clear once Klopp announces his first lineups. His starting position is strong—but even the Bayern defender is unlikely to have a guaranteed spot under the new national team coach.