There is a saying made famous by Gary Lineker, and it goes exactly like this: “Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win”
Now, if you saw the 2018’s World Cup, you might think Gary Lineker was full of something that rhymes with “hit”. But there’s a reason as to why he said that: Germany, even with the now ill-favored Joachim Low as the boss, managed to absolutely destroy Brazil, and win the 2014’s World Cup gloriously.
Much of the key players are still there, and still at the top. Others are just now showing the world that Germany is a perpetual creator of talent and an European powerhouse. Let’s delve in the best players of one of the strongest squads present in this EURO.
Joshua Kimmich
If he was once thought of as the heir of the incredible Lahm, Joshua Kimmich stunned everyone and, in Bayern Munich, slowly transitioned to a central midfielder, first by roaming to central areas to partake in the creation of offensive maneuvers, he is now, arguably, the best No.6 in this blue marble. Sometimes reminding the most attentive of a young Xabi Alonso, he has the untouched composure known to German players. In his prime, the 26-year-old should be the guy to look right into if you’re into live soccer statistics, as he’s prone to dazzle anyone with his attacking capacities, while maintaining its defensive strictness.
Manuel Neuer
A couple years ago everyone looked at Neuer with a stench of pity, as the Libero Goalkeeper that was king of the Europe for a decade seemed drowned out and incapable of producing what he once excelled in. Well, with 35 springs to his name, Neuer fully recovered from his physical problems and showed, in Bundesliga and the Champions League, that he’s not only a name for the history books, but a true menace for anyone who wants to poach one against the veteran. He can also be a leader of the squad, since that, both in the Germany International Squad and Bayern Munich, he knows what it takes to win.
Serge Gnabry
After a failed stint at Arsenal, one Serge Gnabry was looked rather suspiciously by the Bayern Munich’s fans, but instead of enticing such idea with proofs, he did the exact opposite: dynamic, speed as a bullet, and eyes set on the goal, Gnabry has been an absolute joy for sour eyes. He not only destroys an entire defensive team’s composure, but he has a faithful relation with the net. 15 goals in 20 caps are impressive numbers for a young Gnabry, who’s peak should scare Portugal and France in the Group Stage.
Kay Havertz
Absolutely brilliant in his ascent through the Leverkusen squad, one cannot look at Havertz without thinking of Ballack. The dribble, the composure, the elegance of the young German promise has us all looking at him like he’s the next big pearl of Baviera. Although comparing him to Ballack has nothing to do with Chelsea, and his arrival of the club was not immediately impactful, he ended up winning the Champions League this year, and is probably hungry for more.
Toni Kroos
What else can we say about the man of steel? A perfect veteran, with more Champion’s Leagues than most players have League Titles, he promises to be the pillar of the German midfield, allowing Kimmich to delve into more advanced areas, and not only assisting Havertz or the forwards, while also providing tactical stability to the team. He knows what it takes to win, and certainly he can transmit such vibes to the youngest stars on the squad.
