Germany squad announcement: winners and losers

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Julian Nagelsmann has named his Germany squad ahead of this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. For Germany, it’s been an unexpected and ropey start to qualifying, but they’ll be expected to win both games and get a grip of a group they should comfortably win. Here are your winners and losers from Nagelsmann’s squad announcement. 

Winners 

The first clear winner is Borussia Dortmund football club, who have had five players called up. This includes the reintroduction of Nico Schlotterbeck, who has been sidelined through injury since the beginning of the season. 

In addition, Waldemar Anton, Felix Nmecha, Karim Adeyemi, and Maximilian Bier have all been nominated. It’s the perfect compliment from Nagelsmann as BVB have had a fantastic start to the season in all competitions. After what was a turbulent campaign last term, BVB and, in particular, their German players, look sharp, on form, and ready to give any team a game.  

The second winner is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown, who has been called up to the senior squad for the first time. Previously a part of the Germany U21 set up, Brown had a fantastic debut campaign with Frankfurt last season and has continued to play a role this season. With full-back places up for grabs, Brown will fancy his chances to cement his place in Die Mannschaft. 

Our final winner is RB Leipzig’s Ridle Baku, who has been called up for the first time since 2021. The right-sided full-back has featured in all of Leipzig’s games this season and provided one assist. In a similar position to Brown, Baku can give Germany something different with his pace in both defence and attack. 

Losers

The first loser is Josha Vagnoman of VfB Stuttgart. Despite the Swabians’ mixed start to the campaign, the central defender has had a solid start to the season. The 24-year-old Hamburg native has yet to be called up to the senior team. Granted, he has some tough competition for a place in the starting 11, but perhaps he is slightly unfortunate not to get a call-up this month.  

Our second loser is SC Frieburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. The 23-year-old has earned his place in the Freiburg starting 11 and is showing great potential. Nagelsmann appears to have the experienced Oliver Baumann alongside Alexander Nubel and Finn Dahmen right now. However, Atubolu is certainly knocking on the door. 

Germany host Luxembourg on Friday 10th October, before traveling to Northern Ireland on Monday 13th October. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen