New Blood: German National Team

By


"GOTZEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

Germany lifted their fourth ever World Cup in 2014 after a scintillating extra time goal from Mario Gotze. The tournament saw players like Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller put in award winning performances - arguably their best outings in Deustch colours. Several legends like Philip Lahm, Miroslav Klose and Franck Ribery announced their retirement from the international stage following a month of exciting and soul-enriching football.

However, nearly nobody expected the national team to fall to the literal depths of hell within the next decade itself. Shocking group stage exits in successive World Cups - worrying times for Germany fans worldwide, who hadn't imagined this in their worst nightmares.

All is not lost. Not when there is a generation of young German talents rising through the ranks. In this post, we take a look at 4 players who have the potential to change Deustchland's fortunes and restore its glory in the world of football.

Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund)

He is just 21 years old. And he is already the fastest player in Bundesliga history, having clocked a top speed of 36.7 km/h. The left footed youngster has made his place in Terzic's starting 11 this season, and isn't letting go of it anytime soon. He came into the spotlight in Dortmund's 1-0 first leg win over Chelsea in the Champions League, when he beat Enzo Fernandez and Kepa Arrizabalaga with skill and pace to finish off a sensational solo effort.

Flick has been publicly vocal about his faith in Adeyemi. He could be an asset to Hansi's system, slotting into the left wing/ left midfielder role and becoming a steady source of goals and assists. However, he needs to work on few aspects of his game before becoming a regular at the international level (like ball control).

Karim 'The Dream' Adeyemi


Armel Bella-Kotchap (Southampton)

Southampton have historically been renowned for producing young talents. Several management issues, however, have culminated in the club getting relegated (after an 11 year stint in the Premier League) and they are at risk of losing their best players. The standout performers for the Saints in defense this season have undoubtedly been Armel Bella-Kotchap and and Mohammed Salisu.

Bella-Kotchap is a promising centre back on the radar of several big clubs, mainly because of his positional astuteness, allowing him to complete interceptions and duels effortlessly. He can develop into a star player, something that would be integral for the future of the Deustch NT defense.

Armel, who made his senior debut vs England (26th September, 2022)


Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund)

Moukoko currently holds the record for being the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history. He has shown traits of being a fine finisher ever since his academy days. Consistency in his performances has been lacking to some extent, but gametime and experience at the highest level would most probably solve the issue.

Germany have been unable to unearth a sufficiently lethal striker ever since Klose's retirement. Flick has used Kai Havertz and Timo Werner in this position, but none of them have displayed that game killer mentality which the frontline desperately needs. Niklas Fullkrug has been enjoying a purple patch as of late, but is nearing the end of his career. Moukoko has the potential to become a long term solution to Deustchland's number 9 woes, if he ups his game in the years to come.

Moukoko, who was the youngest German player at the Qatar World Cup 2022


Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)

Jamal Musiala is a joy to watch while playing, and thats putting it mildly. A 20 year old forward who can operate both centrally and on the wings, can dribble past defenders like thin air, smart at identifying goalscoring opportunities - he is a wonderkid to look out for. He has been the third highest assister in the Bundesliga this season, and lifted the Meisterschale after netting the winning goal for Bayern Munich.

Jamal could become one of the core players of the German NT in the years to come. He has the mentality in him to succeed, the spark that every team craves for.

Musiala vs Japan (23rd November, 2022)


So that's about it. Hope you enjoyed reading, see you on my next post :)