„Very, very good“: World Cup expert Klopp raves about the duo surrounding the Bayern star | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup is in full swing, and so far, several FC Bayern players have already made a very good impression. Michael Olise, Luis Diaz, and others have shone with scoring points, while other players have performed very well on defense. 

Two Bayern players are in the starting lineup for the German national team’s defense: Joshua Kimmich at right back and Jonathan Tah at center back.

Kimmich had some trouble maintaining defensive balance against Yan Diomande in the match against Ivory Coast. Tah, on the other hand, put in a better performance.

Klopp praises duo featuring Bayern star

Jürgen Klopp, who is covering the World Cup as an expert for Magenta TV, has now raved about Tah and his defensive partner Nico Schlotterbeck. “Physically, they complement each other perfectly. Their playing styles also mesh very, very well. Schlotterbeck is heavily involved in building up play; overall, they make a very strong pairing in central defense,” explained the former Liverpool manager.

Photo: IMAGO

Tah is more physically dominant, while Schlotterbeck takes more risks in build-up play, thereby creating space and enabling quick shifts in play.

According to Klopp, there’s also no issue when it comes to their shared experience at the highest level: “I do think they bring a lot of international class to the table; they’re now playing in their first World Cup together.”

However, there is concern that this duo centered around the Bayern star might be disrupted, as Nico Schlotterbeck is injured. Antonio Rüdiger came on in his place during Saturday’s match against Ivory Coast (2–1). The Real Madrid star put in a solid performance in the second half and showed that he has the necessary experience for such situations.

But if Rüdiger continues to play alongside Tah, their roles will change as well. The Bayern star would then be much more involved in building up play—something he’s certainly capable of.