Julian Nagelsmann named both Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw in his Germany squad for the November internationals.
If Germany wins both of their last two World Cup qualifiers, they will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals.
They play at home against Slovakia on Monday, but before that they play away against Luxembourg on Friday evening.
Julian Nagelsmann spoke ahead of tonight’s match and has made some key selection decisions.
The German boss could field both Newcastle United stars against Luxembourg.
Julian Nagelsmann the absences of the injured Nico Schlotterbeck and Joshua Kimmich:
“Other players now get the chance to prove themselves.
“Ridle Baku will replace Kimmich, he has looked great in training so far and is a regular at RB Leipzig.
“We haven’t decided yet who will replace Schlotterbeck, but we have good options with Malick Thiaw and Waldemar Anton. They are slightly different types of players, but they can both do their job well.”
Julian Nagelsmann on Nick Woltemade’s progress:
“He has made real steps.
“Moving to another country with a different style of football is never easy, but he has scored a few goals, feels at home in the city (Newcastle Upon Tyne) and overall the situation (playing for Newcastle United) seems to suit both him and us very well.
“He’s a fantastic player.
“He has grown from the U21 EURO final to a regular starter for us in no time.
“He is in demand at the moment because he is playing very well and has already scored for us. He is very welcome to continue that tomorrow and Monday (laughs). I am very happy with him.”
Julian Nagelsmann about tonight’s opponents, Luxembourg:
“They were very deep in the reverse game after the early red card. I expect a more attacking approach from them.
“I don’t think they will just park the bus, we will probably see more of them in the future. Still, the goal remains the same: I will try to win the match with my team.”
My thoughts
What a great story with Malick Thiaw, more than two years since his last international call-up and his excellent Newcastle United performance in such a short space of time has not only earned him a return to the Germany squad but looks set to start tonight. Perfect timing also for Thiaw, if Germany can qualify for the 2026 World Cup final in the coming days, then there is a good chance that the defender will board a plane with Nick Wolte to the final next summer.
As for Big Nick, great words from the German boss and it was amazing how much the striker has achieved for club and country in such a short space of time, especially when he is so relatively inexperienced. Woltemade will be a player in the future because he has so much potential to become even better.
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