Germany play host to the rest of the continent for this year’s European Championships and they will be looking to turn their fortunes on the international scene around with the backing of their home crowd.
The German national team have endured a disappointing few years, with a Round of 16 elimination at the last Euros in-between back to back group stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups respectively.
However, things are now looking good for the Germans head coach under Julian Nagelsmann and as they eye a fourth continental triumph, Soccernet.football takes a look at seven outstanding players set to star for the host nation.
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7. David Raum
The RB Leipzig full-back has become a mainstay in the German national team since joining the Red Bulls back in 2022 thanks to his performances for both club and country.
Raum is essentially an attack-minded defender, never hesitating to burst up the left flank at any given opportunity to cause problems for the opposition back line.
The 26-year-old defender, who also played under Nagelsmann at Leipzig will have a significant role to play for Germany when the tournament kicks off.
6. Ilkay Gundogan
The former Manchester City treble winner now plies his trade in the Spanish top-flight for FC Barcelona where he has become one of their most important players.
The 33-year-old midfielder will be hoping he can inspire Germany to a fourth continental triumph after enduring a trophyless season with Barca despite his best efforts.
It is expected that Gundogan will be deployed in a more advanced role similar to where he featured for Barca towards the end of this past season, with Toni Kroos and Robert Andrich forming a double pivot at the base of Germany’s midfield.
5. Toni Kroos
The six-time Champions League winner grabbed the headlines after coming out of international retirement and he is now set to marshall Germany’s midfield at the Euros.
The 34-year-old maestro was at his majestic best for Real Madrid this past season, contributing significantly as Los Blancos won their 36th and 15th La Liga and Champions League titles respectively.
Kroos is a key member of Nagelsmann’s midfield double pivot so we can expect to see a lot of the retiring Real Madrid legend during the tournament.
4. Kai Havertz
The Arsenal man has established a reputation for himself as a clutch player in recent years, his vital equalizer in Germany’s come-back victory over Greece yesterday a perfect example.
It’s difficult to see Havertz in Nagelsmann’s starting lineup going into the tournament but it is certain that the former Chelsea attacker will play a crucial role for the host nation.
Naturally an attacking midfielder, Havertz can play further forward as a striker/winger or deeper in the number 8 role. This versatility could well come in handy when the tournament begins.
3. Jamal Musiala
One of the most exciting young talents in football at the moment, Musiala has continued to grow in leaps and bounds at Bayern Munich where he has established himself as one of their most important players.
The 21-year-old is a key asset for the host nation and could prove to be an unplayable opponent if he performs at his very best when this year’s edition of the Euros begins.
Musiala is heading into the Euros in fine form after notching 20 goal contributions across 38 appearances for Bayern this past season. We expect him to be massively involved in the attack for the host nation.
2. Deniz Undav
Arguably one of VFB Stuttgart’s best players this past campaign, Undav functioned as both creator and finisher, helping his club finish second in the Bundesliga to earn Champions League qualification.
With 29 goal involvements in 33 games, the 27-year-old is Germany’s most in-form striker heading into the Euros but it remains to be seen if he will be able to displace Niclas Füllkrug from the starting lineup.
Undav’s involvement could potentially increase Germany’s dynamism upfront, allowing the likes of Musiala and Wirtz even more freedom to wreak havoc on opposition back lines.
1. Florian Wirtz
Another exciting young gem of German football, Wirtz enjoyed the best season of his senior career with Bayer Leverkusen this past campaign.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder was arguably Leverkusen’s best player as they cruised to the Bundesliga and DFB-POKAL titles. He registered 38 goal contributions across 49 appearances for Die Werkself.
The German fans will be hoping their latest star player can be just as productive for the national team when the tournament starts. We should see the young sensation feature alongside Gundogan and Musiala behind Germany’s center-forward.
