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The world is aware of the incredible squad depth boasted by Joachim Loew's Germany. There's no doubt that the defending champions are one of the strongest contenders heading to the mega-event in the summer.
Recent performances of the German national side were not as convincing, losing 1-0 to Brazil and drawing 1-1 to Spain. But surely Loew would have extracted the positives out of it.
The Germans can play in a wide variety of formations. Here we take a look at how Die Mannschaft should lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper and Defenders
If the Germany captain is back to his best, there is no doubt about the first choice keeper; Manuel Neuer would be the one guarding the sticks for his national side. Neuer has been troubled by injuries this season but Loew would hope to see his captain fully fit again.
The boss has so many alternatives for the goalkeeping spot but we go with the man in form, Marc-Andre.ter Stegen to the backup keeper for the team.
The defensive line will consist of three Bayern Munich players and FC Koln starter. The centre-back spots will be undoubtedly occupied by Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels. These two together are arguably one of the best centre-back pairings in the world.
Together they can provide everything to the team. These defenders are very strong physically and technically. Apart from their prowess in the air, everyone is also aware of the crucial tackles Hummels can make during the crucial stages of the game.
Talking about the right-back spot, the retirement of Philipp Lahm was a major setback but Germans surely see a glimpse of their legend in the 23-year-old star, Joshua Kimmich. He has been a regular starter for Bayern Munich and also for his national side now.
Kimmich has got all it takes to be a complete full-back. His passing, crossing and ability to read the game are commendable. The 23-year-old has 9 assists to his name, apart from creating 47 chances for his team in the Bundesliga so far. He will surely be one of those to watch out for during the World Cup.
On the left-back position, we have Jonas Hector. Germany has not been very good with producing left-backs but the manager will be putting his faith in Hector. Unlike Kimmich, he is more about his defensive attributes.
The full-back has made 30 interceptions and 49 clearances in his 13 games so far in the German league. So, Hector will be looking to cut out the opposition's plays on the flank.
Niklas Sule and Shkodran Mustafi can be backup options for the centre-back spots, Marvin Plattenhardt and Benedikt Howedes can help out on the full-back positions.
Midfielders
The two central midfield positions should be occupied by Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan. Not much explanation is needed for Kroos, the Madrid star would be the engine of this side. He will surely set up some goals for his team apart from maintaining the momentum of the game. Kroos will be an integral part of Joachim's team.
Partnering Kroos, Gundogan deserves to start for his country. He has improved a lot Guardiola this season. Boasting a pass completion of 91%, Gundogan is the right man for the job alongside Kroos. These two together can build up the play for the team, as well as create chances on their own.
On the attacking midfield spot, Loew can blindly trust Mesut Ozil. The Arsenal man will be looking forward to tearing apart the oppositions' defence with his superhuman vision and passing skills. Ozil has an average of 3 chances created per game, that is massive. He will be hoping to replicate his form when his side goes out to win the World Cup.
Leon Goretzka, Emre Can and Sami Khedira can be decent alternatives for the midfield spots.
Wingers and Forwards
On the left flank, Leroy Sane should be trusted to do the job. Pep Guardiola has turned Sane into a world-class player. His tremendous pace and dribbling skills are a nightmare to defenders.
Sane has been directly involved in 19 goals for Manchester City in the league so far. Loew will be hoping that the young star can create similar magic on the international stage in the summer.
On the right side, the experienced Bayern Munich star will be in action. Thomas Muller should play on a little wide on the right side. Critics often say that Muller is overrated but what he brings to the team can't be covered by stats.
Muller has created 43 chances for the Bundesliga giants in the league but his other contributions are not appreciated. No debate on this, Muller has to be in the lineup for the German national team.
Timo Werner finishes the lineup playing up front for his country. The Leipzig man is not very experienced but his speed and instincts are really good. Werner has been directly involved in 14 goals for his club in the Bundesliga already. Loew included him in the recent friendlies and his performance was good enough.
Julian Draxler and Julain Brandt can be great alternatives for wide positions. Whereas, Mario Gomez and Sandro Wagner can help out in the centre-forward position.
Playing XI
GK: Manuel Neuer
CB: Jerome Boateng
CB: Mats Hummels
RB: Joshua Kimmich
LB: Jonas Hector
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
CM: Toni Kroos
AM: Mesut Ozil
LM: Leroy Sane
RM: Thomas Muller
CF: Timo Werner
