Germany XI of young stars that could rival Euro 2016 teams
Published:
Holly Thackeray | March 1, 2016
Germany’s exciting XI of Under-23 talent
Euro 2016 is just months away and, as Coral writers contemplated World Cup holders Germany’s superb strength-in-depth, we began to wonder just how their their youngsters would stack up against current sides.
So, we did a little digging and voila – here is our excellent XI of Die Mannschaft talents aged 23 or under that we reckon could give most teams in the finals a run for their money. Some may not make it to France this year, where the current team are a tempting 10/3 price to win Euro 2016. but we fully expect to see them patrolling in Germany’s famous white shirt sooner rather than later.
With so much potential on show, we also added subs. So, let us know if we left anyone out. Do you rate these Die Mannschaft juniors?
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen (23)
Barcelona’s back-up keeper (arguably) is apparently coveted by Premier League clubs and it is no surprise, even though the talented custodian remains mainly relegated to cups at the Nou Camp. An obvious choice perhaps, but his superior distribution edges him ahead of the likes of lithe Bernd Leno, Lorius Karius and Timo Horn.
See his best saves below:
Right back: Matthias Ginter (22)
Not everyone’s favourite, but Ginter has established himself for Borussia Dortmund following a shaky start. At full back is where the youngster thrived earlier in this season, as a surprising source of assists.
Centre back: Jonathan Tah (20)
Shkodran Mustafi and Valencia have not been bastions of backline stability this season, but in powerful centre half Tah Germany have a tremendous young defender catapulted into the limelight after a summer move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Already a mainstay for Bayer at 20, with around 37 appearances this term, Tah has the physique and quickness of feet and thought to develop into a dominant force for Die Mannschaft.
Check out Tah’s talent:
Centre back: Niklas Sule (20)
Sule is the star currently making waves at Hoffenheim, with over 70 club outings at just 20 and as a bright spark in a troubled term. It should not be long before the big guns come sniffing.
Left back: Erik Durm (23)
Another to have surprise this season for Dortmund is Durm, with the defender fresh back from an injury lay-off. Currently being tested further forward on the wing, the seven-capped Germany international is already finding himself lauded for versatility, but should eventually find a home in the rearguard.
Durm in action:
Defensive midfield: Julian Weigl (20)
Weigl shot to fame as one of the instigators of Thomas Tuchel’s brilliant start at BVB this camapign. Picked up for a bargain price last summer from 1860 Munich, the midfield conductor has all the tools to be a top quality shield for club and country, despite spots of controversy in his past.
Deep-lying playmaker: Emre Can (22)
Arguably the jewel in Liverpool’s crown, silky Can is often the man driving Jurgen Klopp’s Reds forward, with his slick passing making the German of Turkish heritage an Anfield fan favourite. There is no reason can go on to cement a regular spot in the heart of Germany’s midfield.
Can’s highlights:
Attacking midfielder: Mario Gotze (23)
He may seem to have been around for ever, but World Cup-winning goal scorer Gotze still fits into this age category, which is fantastic for the future of German football.
Bayern Munich has been a tough ask for the former Dortmund teen sensation, but his skill level is outrageous, and Gotze will surely be an integral playmaking cog for years to come. It is almost scary that Gotze’s ceiling is still far from being reached.
Right wing: Leroy Sane (20)
The latest and most exciting and explosive German talent to have emerged from Schalke’s sparkling ranks, graceful and speedy Sane is the must-have on almost every summer transfer wishlist. Could he be a wildcard for Joachim Low? If not, after stunning the Champions League stage versus Real Madrid, the 2018 World Cup will surely be his oyster.
See Sane’s skills:
Left wing: Julian Draxler (22)
It looked as though highly-rated dangerman Draxler had stagnated a Schalke, and was set to become another stalled prodigy. Thankfully, a summer switch to Wolfsburg seems to have, slowly but surely, revived the adaptable attacker, and his nose for goal.
In a few seasons, this starlet could again be causing a Premier League clamour. Some talents just take more time to nurture.
Centre forward: Kevin Volland (23)
Capable of producing stunning solo strikes, but also more than willing to put in a shift for the greater good, Volland is the type of forward that could work wonders as the spearhead of Die Mannschaft, allowing their array of attacking jewels to shine around his focal point. Yet to truly blossom, much is expected of the Hoffenheim marksman.
Volland’s top goals:
Subs: Bernd Leno, Shkodran Mustafi, Joshua Kimmich, Julian Brandt, Leon Goretzka, Max Meyer, Timo Werner.
