DFB comeback after 16 months
Matthäus demands: Goretzka has to go to the German starting eleven
Updated on March 17th, 2025 – 5:29 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Leon Goretzka was no longer in the DFB team for almost a year and a half. Nevertheless, record international Matthäus would put him directly in the starting eleven.
Lothar Matthäus spoke out for a deployment of Leon Goretzka in the starting eleven of the German national team in the National League game against Italy. In his column for “Sky” Matthäus, Goretzka, wrote directly in the starting formation after his return to the DFB team.
“For me, what happened to him was always incomprehensible, especially at Bayern Munich,” emphasized Matthew. The former international also praised Goretzka’s current formation and emphasized that this was a sign of his football quality, his attitude and character.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann had brought the Bayern professional back to the national soccer team after 16 months. The DFB team will compete in Milan on Thursday (from 8:45 p.m. in the LiveTicker from T-Online). The second leg in Dortmund will follow on Sunday (from 8.45 p.m. in the LiveTicker from T-Online). The winner moves into the final Four of the UEFA competition in June as the host.
“You can always rely on Leon and I am convinced that he also delivered in the national team and performs his performance. The position on the double-six is cut to his body,” Matthäus continued.
The 63-year-old record national player also has a clear opinion about the goalkeeper triachy between Alexander Nübel, Stefan Ortega and Oliver Baumann. “Alexander Nübel is the clear number one of the goalkeepers in the squad against Italy,” wrote Matthew.
Ortega is not attributed to the place in the goal anyway. The Premier League goalkeeper has not played much at Manchester City and could hardly be shown in terms of performance. Baumann still lacks the rhythm after his long break. “He can’t be in top shape again. On the other hand, Robin Zentner plays an outstanding season in Mainz and would have earned an invitation to the national team,” said Matthew.