Nagelsmann explains decision to start Undav ahead of Musiala against Paraguay | OneFootball

After racking up three goals and two assists in three appearances off the bench at the World Cup so far, Deniz Undav is set to make his first start of the tournament in monday’s Round of 32 clash with Paraguay.

The VfB Stuttgart forward comes into the XI at the expense of Jamal Musiala, with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann explaining the decision as follows:

“We’ve generally created enough scoring chances in possession. Not in the last game, but in the matches before that,” Nagelsmann told Sky.

“However, we have lacked a bit of presence up front when the opponent defends compactly. We were often forced to play the ball into areas in front of the opposition midfield, and we lost possession too much there, which quickly took players out of our game.

“With a second striker, we now have more presence up front, can play the ball into those areas, and Deniz has also earned it,” he added.

You can see Germany’s full starting lineup against Paraguay here.