23 for 2010 – Germany: World Cup squad analysis

First came the stand-off. Then the angry remonstrations. And then the tackle. That tackle.

That lunging, late, nasty, ill-timed, tackle. Pre-planned? An act of retribution? A simple overzealous mistake? Maybe. But the damage was done. And like that, Germany’s captain was taken out of the World Cup.

Michael Ballack’s ankle injury came as a huge blow to Germany, shaking up coach Joachim Löw’s intricate preparations and rocking a nation to it’s core. Since the extent of the damage became clear, the tabloid press in Germany went into rabid angry dog mode, aiming the full extent of their ire at Kevin-Prince Boateng – the half German who chose Ghana. Boris Becker called the challenge a “disgrace.” People are angry.

But despite missing their leader, Germany’s squad is still full of promise. Let’s not forget, Germany are the iron nation when it comes to World Cups. Seven time finalists, few do it better, and lesser talented Germany squads have prospered and progressed on the world stage (the 2002 World Cup or Euro 2008 squads for example).

So who’s in and who’s out of Jogi Löw’s squad? The team has a youthful, fresh air, with a balance of old heads from the successful 2006 tournament in for good measure. Let’s start, as always, at number 1:

Goalkeepers:

Hans Joerg Butt (Bayern Munich), Manuel Neuer (Schalke), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen)

A tainted position in some respects after the tragic death of Robert Enke, one of the spot’s main competitors. As it is, Hans-Jörg Butt’s selection came as the biggest surprise after the 35-year-old’s near seven year absence from the international fold. Butt, one of seven Bayern players in the squad, only has 3 caps for Germany and is tipped to be third choice behind Wiese and Neuer who are both battling for the number one spot. Rene Adler misses out with a rib injury.

Löw is yet to decide between the Schalke and Werder Bremen stoppers; might he throw a complete curveball and name penalty-taking Butt as his nummer eins?

Defenders:

Dennis Aogo (Hamburger SV), Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Andreas Beck (Hoffenheim), Jerome Boateng (Hamburger SV), Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Marcell Jansen (Hamburger SV), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Serdar Tasci (Stuttgart), Heiko Westermann (Schalke)

Germany’s defence sees faces old and new on the world stage. Marcell Jansen, Arne Friedrich (possible captain in Ballack’s absence), Philipp Lahm and Per Mertesacker were all part of the squad on home soil at Germany 2006, while Dennis Aogo, Holger Badstuber, Andreas Beck and Jerome Boateng are all newbies with less than 10 caps experience.

Supporters of the Nationalmannschaft may have reason to worry about Germany’s defence. While there are many talented players, whether the blend is quite right remains to be seen. Mertesacker and Tasci are strong centre backs and the likely starting pair, but both have weaknesses, while Boateng’s inexperience on such a stage may also affect him.

One decision Löw must make is whether to play Lahm at left or right back. Lahm is very good down either flank and although naturally a left back likes to cut inside when going forward. If he plays at right back it might allow Jansen or Badstuber a place in the team; at left back, Friedrich or Boateng could play on the right.

Midfielders:

Michael Ballack (Chelsea), Sami Khedira (Stuttgart), Toni Kroos (Bayer Leverkusen), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen), Mesut Oezil (Werder Bremen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Christian Traesch (Stuttgart), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV)

Germany’s midfield excites me – packed with new and exciting names, creativity, skill and flair. A far cry from the traditional German model midfielder. While Ballack’s absence is a big loss (particularly with Torsten Frings nowhere to be seen), the Marko Marin, Mesut Özil, Toni Kroos axis of midfield genius has bags of ability, potential and youthful exuberance.

Werder Bremen were second top scorers in the Bundesliga after Bayern this season, and Messrs Özil and Marin were largely responsible for that. Özil was the joint highest assist maker in the league with 13, scoring 9 goals for good measure and Marin, just 21, also weighed in with 10 assists. Toni Kroos too was a revelation, part of the Bayer Leverkusen side that charged to the top of the league before running out of gas late on. His 9 goals and 9 assists merely hint at his excellent overall contribution.

Really though, without Ballack the main man in midfield is Bastian Schweinsteiger. Schweinsteiger has grown hugely under the influence of Louis Van Gaal at Bayern and ended the season as one of the top performing midfielders to be found anywhere in Europe. Ballack himself lauded Schweinsteiger after his injury, championing the 26-year-old and calling him to be the man to step up in his absence.

“Schweini must do it now and take on more responsibility. He is so confident and has class. I don’t see any others who can set the tone and bring such presence.” His role in the team, whether through central midfield or on the wing, now takes on paramount importance.

Injuries haven’t been kind to Germany so far, ruling out both Ballack and Stuttgart’s intelligent midfielder Christian Traesch, and if Löw continues with a 4-2-3-1 system he’ll have to decide which 2 players occupy the holding midfield roles (Schweinsteiger + 1, you imagine). Bayern’s Thomas Muller, a revelation in his first professional season, Özil and Lukas Podolski are expected to be the 3 behind a lone striker.

Forwards:

Cacau (Stuttgart), Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich), Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen), Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Lukas Podolski (Cologne)

Germany have a wealth of options in attack, which may prompt the coach to employ a 4-4-2 system against lesser opponents or in situations requiring greater adventure. Cacau has risen to prominence in the national team after the Brazilian born Stuttgart striker was recently naturalised, and he offers pace and intelligent movement in attack. Cacau brings something different to the table – unpredictability and flair upfront.

As I mentioned above, if Joachim Löw wishes to play 4-2-3-1, the 3 men behind a front striker will probably include two forwards – Muller and Podolski the likely candidates. The lone striker role then comes down to a straight battle between Bayern Munich’s Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez, Cacau and Leverkusen’s Stefan Kiessling.

Klose is out of favour with Louis Van Gaal at Bayern, but an international record of 48 goals in 94 appearances speaks for itself. The last World Cup’s golden boot winner, Klose is favourite for that starting spot upfront.

Mario Gomez and Podolski are two others in mediocre form heading into Germany’s opening group game against Australia. But Podolski is a favourite of Löw, one of the old heads from 2006. He remains a key figure for the Nationalmannschaft. Stefan Kiessling has had a fantastic season at Leverkusen, emerging second top scorer in the Bundesliga behind Edin Dzeko, but his international experience may limit him to anything other than an impact sub.

Who will make Germany’s first XI for the World Cup? Comments and thoughts welcome below.

(Photo credit – SpreePiX – Berlin on Flickr)

23 for 2010, German Football, Germany, Squad Analysis, World Cup 2010