A flawless qualifying campaign and an almost flawless tournament performance in the World Cup in 2010 did little to underline the few flaws of Germany.
Looking across the midfield, Germany is the envy of almost every nation that has every played football competitively. Götze, Mueller, Schürrle, Podolski, Reus, Marin- the names of the Bundesliga stars simply roll of the tongue. They have the best keeper in the world in goal- Manuel Neuer.
Added to that is Özil’s magic and the stability of Bastian Schweinsteiger. Even in defensive midfield, Germany has several options such as Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira, the Bender twins and the experienced Simon Rolfes. The striking department shows experience more than anything else with Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez trading spots.
The team also consists of various options when it comes to the centre of defence- Badstuber, Hummels, Höwedes, Mertesacker and Boateng are all very good at what they do and are reliable and ‘modern’ defenders, especially Mats Hummels. However, the name ‘Jerome Boateng’ springs one of Germany’s main problems into mind: the right-back issue.
Since Philipp Lahm switched to the left again this season, Germany does not have a natural right-back at its disposal. The problem was just the opposite last year- Germany had a brilliant right-back but no left-back. While there are other options at left-back such as Marcel Schmelzer, there is no such luxury.
Seemingly the only solution is to clone Philipp Lahm.
Joachim Loew has tried Christian Träsch in the slot before. Träsch is a versatile player and can feature both in midfield and in defence. Sascha Riether, who is seemingly no longer in Loew’s plans, can also do the same. However, neither of them has gotten a consistent run out in the side. Träsch hasn’t been too bad when he has been given a chance.
The answer is simple- Loew can try out a German star who plays at right-back week in week out. Andreas Beck is the captain of Hoffenheim and he might be the answer. Beck was brilliant in some of his displays for the national side. For a reason unknown to us all, Loew refuses to call him up.
Another problem Loew has to solve is central defence. He has tried out different combinations but not really settled on one. The defence has been given one too many scares recently. While the defenders are all individually very talented, two of the lot need to be given an extended time with each other.
The best option would be to go with the Boateng-Badstuber pairing of FC Bayern. Unfortunately, Loew sees Boateng as a left-back. Loew has given Holger Badstuber the most time in central defence.
Who will partner him is really doubtful. Loew went with Per Mertesacker against Turkey. Hummels seems to be a better option but experience counts and Mertesacker has plenty of that. Also, Loew has played Mertesacker in six matches.
Provided that Loew finds a genuine right-back and decides on the pairing in central defence and provided that injuries don’t come into play as they did in 2010, Germany will be well-equipped to win the Henri Delaunay trophy in 2012.
Added to that is Özil’s magic and the stability of Bastian Schweinsteiger. Even in defensive midfield, Germany has several options such as Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira, the Bender twins and the experienced Simon Rolfes. The striking department shows experience more than anything else with Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez trading spots.
The team also consists of various options when it comes to the centre of defence- Badstuber, Hummels, Höwedes, Mertesacker and Boateng are all very good at what they do and are reliable and ‘modern’ defenders, especially Mats Hummels. However, the name ‘Jerome Boateng’ springs one of Germany’s main problems into mind: the right-back issue.
Since Philipp Lahm switched to the left again this season, Germany does not have a natural right-back at its disposal. The problem was just the opposite last year- Germany had a brilliant right-back but no left-back. While there are other options at left-back such as Marcel Schmelzer, there is no such luxury.
Seemingly the only solution is to clone Philipp Lahm.
Joachim Loew has tried Christian Träsch in the slot before. Träsch is a versatile player and can feature both in midfield and in defence. Sascha Riether, who is seemingly no longer in Loew’s plans, can also do the same. However, neither of them has gotten a consistent run out in the side. Träsch hasn’t been too bad when he has been given a chance.
The answer is simple- Loew can try out a German star who plays at right-back week in week out. Andreas Beck is the captain of Hoffenheim and he might be the answer. Beck was brilliant in some of his displays for the national side. For a reason unknown to us all, Loew refuses to call him up.
Another problem Loew has to solve is central defence. He has tried out different combinations but not really settled on one. The defence has been given one too many scares recently. While the defenders are all individually very talented, two of the lot need to be given an extended time with each other.
The best option would be to go with the Boateng-Badstuber pairing of FC Bayern. Unfortunately, Loew sees Boateng as a left-back. Loew has given Holger Badstuber the most time in central defence.
Who will partner him is really doubtful. Loew went with Per Mertesacker against Turkey. Hummels seems to be a better option but experience counts and Mertesacker has plenty of that. Also, Loew has played Mertesacker in six matches.
Provided that Loew finds a genuine right-back and decides on the pairing in central defence and provided that injuries don’t come into play as they did in 2010, Germany will be well-equipped to win the Henri Delaunay trophy in 2012.
