Ranking the 5 best German players this year (2021)

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#3 Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)

Germany star Ilkay Gundogan was fantastic for Manchester City in 2020-21

Germany must be desperately searching for a page out of Pep Guardiola's playbook. The Manchester City manager used Ilkay Gundogan in a more advanced role than usual in 2020-21 and reaped the rewards. With 17 goals and six assists, Gundogan enjoyed the most productive season of his career. He was a key player in City's journey to the Premier League title and a Carabao Cup win.

Unfortunately, he couldn't replicate that lethal form for Germany at Euro 2020. The famed Die Mannschaft midfield was blunt and appeared laborious on their way to an early exit.

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#2 Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)

Thomas Muller continued to impress for Germany and Bayern Munich in 2021

The sight of a heartbroken Thomas Muller on his knees right after skewing one-on-one wide against England at Euro 2020 sums up Germany's 2021. There was much to admire about Raumdeuter and Bayern Munich this season but there's also a sense of what could have been.

Muller was previously known as a crafty goalscorer with a knack for being in the right place at the right time. However, he has evolved into arguably the world's most adept assist provider.

With a stunning 25 assists in 46 appearances for Bayern Munich in 2020-21, he was the most prolific assist provider in the Bundesliga. Incredibly, he's on course to surpass that figure this season, and already has 15 league assists in just 17 games.

Muller retains his scoring ability as well and found the net 15 times for Bayern in all competitions last season. At 32, the German star continues to adapt and improvise.

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#1 Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)

Germany's Antonio Rudiger has become one of the best in the world

Exactly 12 months ago, Antonio Rudiger was on the verge of leaving Chelsea after failing to convince manager Frank Lampard. Today, the German star is probably the most in-demand centre-back in the world.

Thomas Tuchel's arrival at Chelsea in January this year saw them transformed into a defensive powerhouse. Antonio Rudiger's blistering pace and raw aggression was at the heart of the London giant's newfound solidity.

Despite Chelsea's recent stuttering form, Rudiger continues to impress with his tough tackling and aerial ability. There is uncertainty around his Chelsea future with his contract negotiations proving difficult with the club. However, there is no shortage of clubs willing to shell out a fortune in wages or transfer fees for the German's services.