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Defending champions Germany have named a provisional 27-man squad for the 2018 World Cup to be held in Russia from 14 June to 15 July. As expected, the squad consists of several superstars such as Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos, and Sami Khedira to name a few, with talismanic goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also expected to return from injury, along with a healthy balance of youngsters such as Plattenhardt, the uncapped Nils Petersen, and Manchester City winger Leroy Sane.
Here, we take a look at 4 stars who could be crucial to Germany's success in this tournament.
#4 Marc-Andre ter Stegen
The FC Barcelona shot-stopper has enjoyed a prolific second season as No.1, keeping 19 clean sheets and conceding only 28 goals in La Liga, while maintaining a save percentage of 77.4%.The cornerstone of Germany's 2014 WC success was that they conceded only 4 goals, a statistic they would love to replicate. This tournament could be the perfect opportunity for Marc to establish himself as the best young goalkeeper in the world, currently.
Although Manuel Neuer is expected to be fit in time, he hasn't played a single game since September 2017 due to a fractured foot. That, combined with ter-Stegen's recent exploits could well see the 26-year-old start ahead of his more experienced team-mate.
Named Man of the Match in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup final against Chile, ter Stegen will look to add to his 19 international caps. Being highly competent with the ball at his feet, he is known for his control and accurate distribution and often functions as a sweeper-keeper due to his ability to play out from the back, all key attributes that will aid Germany in their quest for more World Cup glory.
#3 Joshua Kimmich
Footballing legend and former captain Philipp Lahm retired following the 2014 WC, having led his team to glory, while being part of a defense that only let in 4 goals. The Bayern Munich stalwart ended the tournament having completed 562 passes at a rate of 86.3%, the most for that edition.
The man tasked with filling in for Lahm is Joshua Kimmich, a marauding fullback who scored twice against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals. Calm and composed and an excellent passer of the ball, Kimmich was bought by Pep Guardiola at Bayern with the objective of transitioning quickly from attack to defense.
Remarking on Kimmich's versatility, a 2017 article on the Bundesliga's official website referred to him as a "veritable Swiss Army knife of a player", citing Guardiola's conversion of a player he once referred to as "one of the best centre-backs in the world" into a right-back.
Kimmich has enjoyed an impressive season at Munich, winning the Bundesliga and recording a 91% pass success rate while having created 49 chances in the league.
Kimmich will have to be at his usual best to provide Germany their defensive solidity and organisation, and will be a key component of their attack with forays down the right.
Capped 27 times thus far, Kimmich's quality and enormous versatility in both attacking and defensive roles will suit Germany's style of play perfectly, and it should come as no surprise if the young defender puts in some awe-inspiring performances.
#2 Leroy Sane
The Manchester City starlet has played brilliantly in England, leaving opposition defenders in a mess with his quick feet, trickery, and vision. Having racked up 10 goals and 15 assists this season to go along with the League and Carabao Cup trophies, Sane will be looking forward to leaving his mark on the World Cup.
With the likes of Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil and Leon Goretzka set to feature in midfield, it will be interesting to see if Leroy can carve a niche for himself, and earn a regular starting spot in Joachim Lowe's side.
Sane loves to drive at opposition defences with the ball at his feet, and is equally adept at either crossing the ball or taking shots himself with that sweet left foot of his. He will be looking to carry his domestic form and confidence into the World Cup as well.
Legendary midfielder Ballack on Sane: "I am sure with Pep Guardiola as a coach, he will learn and learn and learn more as he grows in age. He has shown that with the national team as well when he played in the last months. He was quality, not nervous, and performed immediately. I am pretty sure he will be one of the key players in the future for Germany."
Voted PFA 'Young Player of the Year' for the 2017-18 season, the German's pace and panache will provide added creativity and guile to this team of superstars. Capped only 11 times thus far, Sane will look to open his account for the national team in the most iconic tournament of all.
#1 Timo Werner
The 22-year-old Red Bull Leipzig man is one of the most in-form strikers in world football at the moment, with giants such as Manchester United and Liverpool closely monitoring his progress.
Known for his precise finishing and physical prowess, the young German will have to lead the line well against experienced opposition defenses, and fans will have huge expectations from the young forward, who has a knack for scoring on the big stage.
The young forward already has 47 Bundesliga goals to his name, and the World Cup represents the perfect opportunity to establish himself on the global stage.
With three goals and two assists, Werner was awarded the tournament's Golden Boot at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. He also holds the record for being the youngest player to reach 100 and 150 Bundesliga appearances, as well as being the youngest player to score two goals in a top-flight match in Germany.
The German prodigy is fabulous with his back to goal and can link-up play well. With Ozil, Sane and Muller all expected to start, Werner may have to wait for his chance. But when it comes, you can bet on him to be ready.
Much like Gotze grabbed headlines around the globe with his World Cup-winning goal, Werner may be this team's X-factor and the next superstar of football.
