Site icon Naijaonpoint.com.ng

Nagelsmann leaves out Real Madrid, Bayern stars, selects Stuttgart’s Stiller for Germany’s Nations League fixtures against Hungary and Netherlands

images 2024 06 14T080323.610
Angelo Stiller has received his first call-up to the Germany national team as head coach Julian Nagelsmann announced the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Hungary and the Netherlands.

The 23-year-old VfB Stuttgart midfielder, who has previously made 17 appearances for Germany’s U21s, earned this selection after an impressive Bundesliga season, where he played 31 matches, helping Stuttgart secure UEFA Champions League qualification.

Stiller, a former Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim player, is one of five Stuttgart representatives in the squad, alongside Alexander Nübel, Maximilian Mittelstädt, Chris Führich, and Deniz Undav. Borussia Dortmund also has five players included, while reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen have three.

These Nations League fixtures mark Germany’s first matches since the international retirements of Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller, and captain İlkay Gündoğan.

Nagelsmann has not yet announced who will succeed Gündoğan as captain, but Joshua Kimmich, now the most experienced player in the squad with 91 caps, is a leading contender for the armband.

With Neuer’s departure, Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen is expected to take over as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Additionally, young talents Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are anticipated to play more significant roles following Kroos’ retirement.

Nagelsmann expressed satisfaction with his selection, noting that the core of the squad remains unchanged from the European Championship.

“Angelo Stiller, who performed very well in Stuttgart last season and again now, is the only new addition to the squad,” Nagelsmann explained, highlighting the need to fill the gaps left by the retired veterans without making unnecessary changes.

Interestingly, the Bayern Munich trio of Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka, and Leroy Sané have not been included in the Germany squad. Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has also been left out.

Germany will host Hungary in Düsseldorf on 7 September before traveling to Amsterdam to face the Netherlands three days later.

These matches will be crucial as Nagelsmann looks to start the new Nations League campaign on a strong note with a balanced mix of experienced players and fresh talent.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona), Alexander Nübel (VfB Stuttgart), Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim)

Defenders: Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maximilian Mittelstädt (VfB Stuttgart), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)

Midfielders: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Emre Can (Borussia Dortmund), Chris Führich (VfB Stuttgart), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Aleksandar Pavlović (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (VfB Stuttgart), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Forwards: Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham United), Deniz Undav (VfB Stuttgart)

Exit mobile version