Nagelsmann explains why Ouédraogo was called up over El Mala | OneFootball

Julian Nagelsmann has explained selecting Assan Ouédraogo to replace the injured Lennart Karl, opting against calling a winger such as Said El Mala.

According to BuLi News, Ouédraogo was added on Friday after Karl was hurt in training and ruled out, with Germany to face the United States on Saturday. The RB Leipzig midfielder is 20 and has only one senior cap.

Nagelsmann said staff wanted another young player and that Ouédraogo, alongside Karl, had impressed most in their environment. He noted club form matters, but so does a player’s standing in the squad and feedback from camp, which was highly positive on Ouédraogo’s character and ability.

Debate centred on whether 1. FC Köln’s El Mala should have been preferred as a wide option. Nagelsmann countered that he already has ample wing cover through Florian Wirtz, Maximilian Beier, Leroy Sané, Jamie Leweling, Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala.

Fitness also weighed heavily. El Mala has not trained for two and a half weeks and last played on 16 May, while Ouédraogo featured as recently as 29 May on RB Leipzig’s end-of-season tour in South Africa, leaving him match sharp. Nagelsmann said a player needing another week would not help and replacements must be ready immediately.

Ouédraogo said he needed a moment to process the call, describing it as a huge honour and a childhood dream realised after hard work. He also expressed sympathy for Karl’s misfortune and wished him a swift return.

Source: BuLi News