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With the 2018 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, what better is there to do, than take a close look at the defending champions - Germany.
The German side boasts a plethora of world-class skill, with several of the world's finest footballers plying their trade for the defending champions.
Many of players have made a name for themselves out of their domestic league, owing to their contributions to the clubs they represent across the top leagues in Europe.
In the past, we’ve seen the likes of Jurgen Klinsmann and Michael Ballack play some of their best football outside of Germany, but from the current crop of players, who’s standing out?
#1 Toni Kroos
Entering his fourth season with Real Madrid, Toni Kroos is a World Cup winner and perhaps one that isn’t appreciated enough as he should be.
Joining the Spanish giants in 2014, the German has just one La Liga title to his name, but more impressive is his UEFA Champions League haul, with two at Real Madrid.
In 155 games in all competitions for the Los Blancos, the 27-year-old has created 45 goals, just four short of his tally at Bayern Munich in 50 fewer games.
His ability to play deep or as a No.10 makes Kroos the perfect midfielder for a double-pivot, in this case alongside Luka Modric, all while he’s yet to enter his prime.
There’s no doubting that in today’s market, Kroos would be valued over €100 million given his importance to both Madrid and Germany, while the €25m they did pay for him is most certainly a bargain.
#2 Sami Khedira
Leaving VfB Stuttgart for Real Madrid at the tender age of 23, Sami Khedira has become one of the best box-to-box midfielders in modern day football.
A leader on the pitch, Khedira has won the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A as well as both the Spanish and Italian cups for Madrid and Juventus.
Having joined the Italian champions in 2015 on a free transfer, it’s fair to say that under Massimiliano Allegri, the 30-year-old has played his best football.
For a defensive midfielder, he doesn’t dive into tackles as many would expect but instead using his footballing brain to read the game, making him one of the best there is at what he does.
And with the World Cup just around the corner, there’s no doubting that he’ll play an important role for Joachim Low, once again, as they look to retain their crown in Russia next year.
#3 Marc-André ter Stegen
After coming under criticism at both Barcelona and Germany, Marc-André ter Stegen has improved his own game, which arguably makes him one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Unfortunately for him, he’s having to play second fiddle to Manuel Neuer in the international setup.
After playing 127 games in all competitions for Borussia Monchengladbach, ter Stegen made the switch to Spanish giants, Barcelona, replacing the outgoing Victor Valdes.
Certainly big gloves to fill. It’s fair to say that the now 25-year-old has settled down, following his move in 2014.
#4 Leroy Sane
Brought to Manchester City after announcing himself against Real Madrid for Schalke in the UEFA Champions League, Leroy Sane is finally finding himself.
Even though just one start in the Premier League this season, the 21-year-old has scored two – one of them being a goal worthy of an award.
Even at the tender age of 21, it seems as though Sane has been around for quite some time. Coming through the famous Knappenschmiede – Schalke’s famed academy – Sane made his debut for the Bundesliga at the age of 18, before scoring on his UEFA Champions League debut against the Spanish giants as a 19-year-old.
Now under Pep Guardiola, Sane is coming the player that justifies his €50 million price tag.
Able to play anywhere across a front three, Sane is creating a working relationship with Sergio Aguero which looks devastating for years to come.
#5 Mesut Ozil
As Mesut Ozil enters his final year of his contract at Arsenal, his future is up in the air and he’s certainly playing like it.
Having joined the Gunners with the intention of winning either the Premier League or Champions League, Ozil had his sights set high and although they have yet to be fulfilled at Arsenal, it doesn’t make him a failure.
Joining Arsenal in 2013 for a club record €47 million at the time, Ozil has gone on to feature 165 times in the famous red and white, scoring 32 and creating 57.
Even with some of the best stats in the Premier League, which includes key passes and chances created, Ozil is up there near the top every time.
Whether Ozil remains at Arsenal or heads on to new ventures, be it at Paris Saint-Germain or elsewhere, there’s no doubt that the German has made a name for himself abroad since joining Real Madrid from Werder Bremen in 2010.
