Fifa World Cup 2018: 4 players who are crucial to Germany's success in the World Cup

Germany is one of the most successful national teams in international competitions, having won 4 World Cups (1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014), 3 European Championships(1972, 1980 and 1996) and 1 Confederations Cup (2017). They have also been runners-up thrice in European Championships, 4 times in the World Cup and a further 4 third-place finishes in the World Cup.

Germany is also the only European nation that has won a FIFA World Cup in the Americas. They are the defending Champions in 2018 FIFA World Cup, having won it in 2014 in Brazil. They decimated Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final and won the famous final labelled as the world's best player (Lionel Messi) versus the world's best team (Germany), 1-0 in extra-time.

Having a very talented and young squad for this World Cup, the German fans will expect nothing less than a World Cup win from their players. Germany, as a team are a collectively strong unit and have the best international coach in the world, Joachim Low. Let us have a look at the 4 players who will be crucial for Germany in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

#4 Joshua Kimmich

Germany - Southern Tyrol Training Camp Day 6

Kimmich is a talented young right-back who is extremely versatile in both attacking and defensive roles. Having enormous quality, Kimmich can play anywhere on the right wing. He has good pace and a great crossing ability.

Having played as a right-back for Germany in Euro 2016, Kimmich was named in the UEFA's Team of the Tournament. He was also included in Joachim Low's Germany squad for 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup 2017. Kimmich started in all 5 matches of the tournament, registering 2 assists, as Germany won its first Confederation Cup tittle. He will be crucial for Germany in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Kimmich will be the player who will deliver the perfect ball from the right wing for Muller and Gomez to score from. His defensive abilities on the right will subjugate the opposition's attack on that particular side.

#3 Toni Kroos

Kroos is known for his passing accuracy, vision, technique and ability to set up goals. He is dynamic and hardworking, having the ability in several midfield positions. Kroos has been part of Real Madrid's side which has won the Champions League 3 consecutive times in last 3 seasons.

Kroos is the fulcrum of Germany's midfield due to his ability to break up play, retain possession and create chances for teammates. For his excellent performance in 2014 World Cup, Kroos was named on the shortlist for FIFA's Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player.

He has to dominate the midfield, keep the ball from the opposition and provide the perfect ball for the German attackers in the opposition's area in the World Cup. Toni Kroos influence in the game would be one of the X factor for Germany to retain the World Cup.

#2 Thomas Muller

Muller is an attacking player blessed with tremendous stamina, vigour to run behind the opposition's defence and the poaching ability possessed by to top quality striker. Despite lacking physical strength, Muller has been praised for his maturity, pace, technique, awareness, tactical intelligence and positioning.

He is a versatile player and a product of Bayern's youth system. Muller has scored 38 goals in 90 matches for Germany. He scored 5 goals in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Having played a major role in the team's World Cup triumph, Muller received the Silver Boot as the tournament's second top goalscorer with five goals.

His goal-scoring record will be handy for Germany in 2018 FIFA World Cup. Muller will provide his best effort in the World Cup and motivate his team to reach their maximum limit.

#1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Germany - Southern Tyrol Training Camp Day 7

Ter Stegen has been described as a tall, agile and consistent goalkeeper, with quick reflexes, good decision-making and excellent shot-stopping abilities. He is strong in the air, good in one-on-one situations and an excellent communicator with defenders.

Ter Stegen was part of the Barcelona team this season who were unbeaten in many La Liga games this season. Germany's first choice goalkeeper Manual Neur was injured for almost the whole season for Bayern Munich. Hence, Ter Stegen will be the No.1 goalkeeper of Germany in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Having developed into a world-class goalkeeper, Ter Stegen will be the X factor in Germany's tittle defence. In the absence of the best goalkeeper in the world, the responsibility of securing the goal will fall on Ter Stegen's shoulders.

What do you make of the list? Have your say in the comments section.

Edited by Zeeshan Ali