Germany’s new star brings more than luck to World Cup hopes | OneFootball

"Julian Nagelsmann is on the brink of being ousted as national coach" – such would likely be the headlines if Germany fails to qualify for the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Okay, in Qualifying Group A, the DFB team will face Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg starting today. In other words: very manageable opponents. And yet, Julian Nagelsmann has brought a new lucky charm into the squad for the qualifying matches against Slovakia (today, 8:45 PM) and Northern Ireland (Sunday, 8:45 PM). Excuse me?

Yes, Paul Nebel – the grandson of an Irish grandmother – could still play for Ireland until his debut with the senior national team. Yes, the Ireland often associated with luck and supernatural things. But before we get lost in the legends surrounding the island nation, let's address a much more important question: Does Nagelsmann really need Irish luck?

Germany has never failed in World Cup qualification, and even as a runner-up, there would still be a chance through the World Cup playoffs. Luck is only somewhat necessary here. What – or rather who – Julian Nagelsmann needs much more is Paul Nebel.

"Paul was one of the standout offensive players at the U21 European Championship. He had a very good season with Mainz, with a good record. He delivers great crosses, has a good finish, and is very aggressive. I appreciate his certain carefree nature and qualities in one-on-one situations," explained the national coach for the first-time nomination of the Mainz player last Wednesday.

The 22-year-old is essentially versatile in offense. While he primarily plays alongside Jae-Sung Lee in the number ten position at Mainz 05, he operated on the left wing for the U21s. In his youth, Nebel even initially played as a right-back for Mainz. No matter where: Nebel almost always causes a stir and can direct the game with clever shifts.

A player who can be invaluable for Nagelsmann, especially with regard to the World Cup.

For one, because the German midfield has had to be reassembled repeatedly in recent months due to injuries like those of Jamal Musiala or players like Leroy Sané who are out of form. For another, because Nebel is a real game-changer.

He proved this, among other things, in the U21 European Championship final when he brought Germany back into the game against England from a 0-2 deficit. First, the Mainz player set up the 1-2 goal by Nelson Weiper, then he scored a dream goal himself to make it 2-2. Standing at only 1.69 meters, he repeatedly benefits from his low center of gravity in front of the goal – making it difficult for defenders to follow him. Good performances at the U21s don't convince you?

Paul Nebel – who, according to his own statements, has Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as role models (he is a bit mainstream after all) – can also handle the Bundesliga. In the past season, he scored ten goals in 31 games, assisted six more, and was one of the key players who ultimately secured Mainz a qualification spot for the Conference League. Numbers that more than justify a DFB nomination. Perhaps even a first appearance under Nagelsmann this evening.

Due to a red card suspension, the 22-year-old was able to enjoy a break from playing over the weekend, unlike the rest of the squad. A game-changer with a full battery and an extra dose of luck – a better application for a national team debut is hardly possible.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 THOMAS KIENZLE - AFP or licensors