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A few hours before our knockout game against Paraguay (22:30/ZDF, MagentaTV and here on ticker SPORTBILD.de), MagentaTV expert Mats Hummels spoke about any changes that could be made to the DFB starting line-up.
Perhaps the central figure in the discussions of recent days: Joshua Kimmich. Should the Bayern Munich star move into midfield from right-back? Hummels says yes!
Former Dortmund player: “The closer the game gets, the more I get the feeling that today we will see Joshua at number 6. I don’t really have any information, I haven’t asked anyone because I don’t want to give away any inside information. I have a feeling that Josh Kimmich will start today at number 6 and then we will see a change – and then we will get the 2014 atmosphere with the centre-back.”
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According to the expert, then Pavlovich will become the “first option” who will be forced out. “Because you’ve seen that the Pavlovic/Nmecha combination doesn’t fit perfectly (…) That connection hasn’t worked very well in games yet. And since I think Felix is playing in the individually best tournament, he’s the one who’s going to stay in the squad. And if Josh moves into the top six, which is what I expect, then Alex Pavlovic will have to go.”
On the right flank it would mean: “I think if stability comes on the right flank, with Waldemar Anton or Malik Thiau. A center back who slides in there. Then I think we’ll see more of Waldemar Anton.”
It is now clear: Hummels was wrong in his assumption. Kimmich will also play at right-back against Paraguay. There is another surprise: Undav goes out to Musiala.