Germany’s right-back position has been a long-standing problem. Joshua Kimmich has performed strongly for Bayern in midfield, but using him at right-back would limit his impact and reduce the leadership role he provides at club level. Germany’s midfield should feature Kimmich alongside Aleksandar Pavlović, mirroring their Bayern partnership. The roster lacks a specialist right-back, which could force Kimmich into the role. Malick Thiaw has only limited career experience at right-back, with no appearances this season. Nathaniel Brown has played very few career games at right-back despite being a natural left-back. If Kimmich is injured, the situation becomes more precarious.
"“Joshua has had an outstanding season in Bayern's midfield. I would absolutely not burn him out there, because as a right-back he can't contribute as much to the game and can't be the same kind of leader he is at Bayern. And the national team needs leaders. Kimmich and (Aleksandar) Pavlović would be my midfield, the same way they've been playing at Bayern,” Hoeneß told Der Spiegel (as captured by @iMiaSanMia)."
"The problem for Nagelsmann is that he really did not take another player on the roster who specializes at the position. Essentially, Kimmich could be stuck in the position because Nagelsmann did not include one true right-back on the roster."
"The closest facsimile is Malick Thiaw, who has played three games at right-back...in his career, including zero this season. The other option might be Nathaniel Brown, a natural left-back, who has played two out of 140 career games at right-back."
"What if...Kimmich gets hurt? Nagelsmann, who has been under some criticism for his roster, likely has a misstep at right-back."
Read at Bavarian Football Works
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