„Pavlovic is not ready“: Matthäus calls for Kimmich to return to the DFB midfield | OneFootball

Joshua Kimmich is the undisputed midfield boss at FC Bayern, but in the national team he has to help out at right-back time and again. For Lothar Matthäus, this is a mistake. In his Sky column, the record international makes it clear that the DFB captain clearly belongs in the center – preferably alongside Bayern youngster Aleksandar Pavlovic.

The former world footballer praised Bayern’s recently strong double six: „At Bayern, Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic have recently formed the double six. Kimmich would also be my choice in midfield for the national team. Depending on the opponent, I would use Pavlovic or Leon Goretzka alongside him.“

Matthäus is certain that Kimmich is the key figure in the German midfield – not only because of his quality, but above all because of his leadership. „We have a lot of quality in the center, but the biggest personality for me is Kimmich. Players like him should occupy the central positions, just like Schweinsteiger and Khedira did at the 2014 World Cup.“

Pavlovic as a partner for the future

photo: IMAGO

Matthäus also praised the rapid development of Aleksandar Pavlovic, who is impressing alongside Kimmich at FC Bayern. The 21-year-old brings the necessary pace, understanding of the game and a clear structure to the midfield, but is „not yet ready to lead the team“.

That’s why, in Matthäus‘ view, Kimmich is needed as a strategic pacemaker: „Kimmich is the one who is wanted in the game.“

Matthäus wants Kimmich permanently in the center

Even if Kimmich remains playable as a right-back, Matthäus sees other options there: „You could also move Kimmich over to the right side of defence from time to time, but basically I see him on the double six. As a right-back, you can also use someone who doesn’t play so spectacularly but has done his homework at the club.“

While Julian Nagelsmann had declared in July that Kimmich would be deployed in his favorite position in midfield again in future, this was followed by a U-turn in September, when the national coach ordered the Bayern star back to the right-back position.