With this summer’s World Cup fast approaching, Sport Bild asked Germany legend Bastian Schweinsteiger how he would line up at the tournament if he were Julian Nagelsmann.

Notably, the 41-year-old chose Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha to partner Aleksandar Pavlović in central midfield.

Advertisement

“I see Leon Goretzka there, because Felix Nmecha is still on his way back after his injury,” Schweinsteiger told the German magazine, explaining his decision.

“Leon brings the physicality you need, especially in the United States, where the kick-off times also play a role. You have to be at a very high level in terms of running, just like Leon. They (Goretzka and Pavlović) are two players who are having a strong season at Bayern Munich. Overall, as national team coach, I would of course currently try to rely heavily on Bayern Munich players, because they bring that strong momentum from their club.”

Meanwhile, he sees Stuttgart winger Chris Führich as the most suitable replacement for the long-term injured Serge Gnabry.

“Chris Führich has developed well at Stuttgart. He always brings something that is difficult to defend against,” Schweinsteiger explained, before naming a few other candidates.

Advertisement

“Another option would be to play Jamie Leweling on the right side. If you want to play more defensively, you could bring in Leweling for Musiala. Lennart Karl made a very, very positive impression in his two international appearances, with his freshness against Switzerland and Ghana (in March).”

Take a look at Schweinsteiger’s preferred Germany starting lineup for the World Cup below:

Oliver Baumann – Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum – Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlović – Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Chris Führich – Kai Havertz.