Julian Nagelsmann explains roster omissions despite rumored desire for dominant aerial striker

Julian Nagelsmann wanted a striker capable of dominating the airspace in front of goal. Tim Kleindienst was not selected because he had not played all year and relied on freshness and work rate, and after a long injury layoff Germany could not include him. Niclas Füllkrug was omitted due to his scoring record, with few goals in the past two years. Nagelsmann pointed to other options with height and aerial strength, including Leon Goretzka, Kai Havertz, and Nick Woltemade. Havertz and Woltemade are expected to compete for the starting striker role during the training camp, with Havertz potentially favored.

"“Leon Goretzka is strong in the air offensively. We also have Kai (Havertz) and Nick (Woltemade), both of whom have good height. Tim (Kleindienst) hasn't played all year. He thrives on his freshness and work rate. I would have liked to have him with us, but after his long injury layoff, we simply couldn't. Regarding Fülle, it's his scoring record. He hasn't scored many goals in the past two years,” Nagelsmann said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia)."

"Havertz and Woltemade will battle it out for the starting striker role and both could make a strong case in training camp. Nagelsmann has seemed to have an affinity for Havertz over the years, so the Arsenal man could be the frontrunner for the job."

Read at Bavarian Football Works