Overtakes Beckenbauer in international matches
©IMAGO
In the World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg, captain Joshua Kimmich will again play on the right side of defense instead of on the six. “We talked about it before the course. It’s a very long discussion. The coach knows that I can play in both positions. I think I’ll also appear centrally. I have many opportunities to influence the position,” said Kimmich before kick-off on “ARD”.
The Bayern professional last played there at the Nations League finals, after which he was ordered back to defensive midfield by Julian Nagelsmann. At that time, the national coach left himself the option of revising his decision. “As of now he is returning to the six because he is simply one of two or three players who will always play there in his club,” Nagelsmann said. “But in general, in my opinion, we have much fewer problems at the six in Germany than at right back. There is no better right-back than Joshua Kimmich in Germany.”
“It’s a strength that I can play both positions. Where the coach has the feeling that I can help, I’ll play,” emphasized Kimmich. The 30-year-old will play his 104th international match against Luxembourg, overtaking Franz Beckenbauer in the ranking of Germany’s record players and is now level with Per Mertesacker in eleventh place.