Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle have been playing together at Borussia Dortmund since the summer. At BVB, the two central defenders run side by side, while in the German national soccer team they duel for the two places in the center of defence. If Rio world champion Bastian Schweinsteiger has his way, one of the two players is clearly ahead.
In two and a half weeks the World Cup will start in Qatar. The first game of the German national team (against Japan) is scheduled for November 23rd. So far, who will act in defense of the DFB team is a big secret, because national coach Hansi Flick has not yet nominated his official squad.
If Bastian Schweinsteiger has his way, himself a long-time German national player and even world champion in Brazil in 2014, Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid) and Nico Schlotterbeck (BVB) should play in central defence. Veteran Niklas Süle, who switched from FC Bayern to Borussia Dortmund in the summer, would only have one place on the bench.
“Nico Schlotterbeck is a very good left-footer who reminds me a bit of Holger Badstuber. Holger opened the game fantastically,” Schweinsteiger explained in “Sport Bild” about his choice of the young Schlotterbeck.
He “defends very well in the game”, praised the 38-year-old, the BVB defender only “recently showed some difficulties” in opposing corners.
But Schweinsteiger likes how Schlottbeck positions himself in the game against the ball. “He’s always one step ahead in his head. He also puts his heart into it, he’s a fighter.”
Schweinsteiger: Schlotterbeck gives the DFB team more than Süle
That’s why Schweinsteiger didn’t find it difficult to choose between the 22-year-old, who came to BVB from SC Freiburg before the start of the season, and ex-Munich player Süle.
“Even if Süle has more experience, I believe that Schlotterbeck could give our team more, especially with the ball,” said the Rio world champion.
In addition to Schlotterbeck, Schweinsteiger also relies on Jamal Musiala. Today’s TV expert even demands a regular place for the bustling Munich
“Jamal Musiala has to play! He will be the key player for us. He has skills like no other player in the German national team,” said the 38-year-old former professional footballer, adding: “He can score goals, hang up and – what What I like the most is that he’s a great defender at the back.”
Schweinsteiger: The Kimmich question needs to be discussed
Schweinsteiger also called for openness on the question of whether Joshua Kimmich should play at right-back in the tournament instead of in defensive midfield.
“I think it shouldn’t be a problem at all to discuss it because we all know that Joshua can play the right-back position excellently,” said Schweinsteiger. “You shouldn’t just throw that option away.”