One of 9 debutants in 2023
After his international debut, Kevin Behrens was still amazed at the high level of the German national team. “Yes, of course. I’m not used to training and playing at such a level, but I will continue to work on myself and give everything,” said the 32-year-old center forward from 1. FC Union Berlin after his short appearance for Germany in the 2-2 draw against Mexico in Philadelphia.
Behrens was substituted on for Jamal Musiala (20) by national coach Julian Nagelsmann a few minutes before the final whistle. The veteran is the second current German national player for the “Irons” after Robin Gosens (29). In addition, Behrens is the second DFB debutant in head coach Nagelsmann’s short term after Chris Führich (25) from Stuttgart.
Behrens twelfth: lowest market value for 1st DFB nomination
Union colleague Gosens had to be substituted due to slight problems with his thigh. Nagelsmann had actually wanted to see the left full-back play the entire game, as he did against the USA (3-1) on Saturday. “He sensed something. It was a precautionary measure,” said Nagelsmann. It was initially unclear whether 29-year-old Gosens could play for Union in the Bundesliga against VfB Stuttgart on Saturday.
Behrens is hoping to be nominated for the national team again. Then he will appear with even greater self-confidence. “If you were to be there again now, then you know the processes, then you know the boys better, then you can play more confidently, with a certain ease. If that’s the case, I’ll be a little more relaxed,” said Behrens. The conclusion of the trip for him is that “I definitely have to work more on myself.” The attacker has scored four goals for Union so far this Bundesliga season.
Behrens is one of nine debutants who were sent into the race by Nagelsmann and his predecessor Hansi Flick in 2023. On average, the newcomers were 25.11 years old – the last time the DFB debutants presented in one year reached such a high age was in 2017.
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