Mats Hummels excels beyond expectations during the European Championships.
Julian Nagelsmann's European Championship team roster is gradually being revealed to the general public, and the stars have already been in the spotlight. However, it's unlikely that there will be a happy ending for Mats Hummels. The BVB veteran has a unique challenge.
At "Hisar Fresh Food" in Berlin, they announced Antonio Rüdiger's selection, and GZSZ character Jo Gerner thrilled Joshua Kimmich with the news: "You'll be representing the German national soccer team in the summer as they compete for the title of European champions on home soil. As the intriguing puzzle of the squad continues to take shape, the eager football fans eagerly await the final German national team.
The big picture is no secret to the players, as Nagelsmann has been informing all the European Championship-bound players for some time now. Mats Hummels, who has not yet received official confirmation, may not make the team photo. The Dortmund player's dilemma: He's likely too good to earn a spot in the squad.
"It's up to fate, maybe"
The 2014 World Cup champion has just helped Dortmund reach the Champions League final, and the veteran was named "Man of the Match" in both the first and second legs of the semifinal match against Paris Saint-Germain and superstar Kylian Mbappé. Nonetheless, this will not guarantee him a spot in Nagelsmann's squad. "He certainly deserved it based on his performance," said teammate Niclas Füllkrug after his own selection, implying that Hummels' chances of making the final cut are slim. "We all have to trust in the national coach's decisions."
The national coach's decisions are not based on outdated merit, as was often the case in the past under his predecessors Joachim Löw and Hansi Flick. It's all about recent performances - and Nagelsmann hasn't forgotten how well his squad worked together in March during the victories in France and against the Netherlands. Hummels was absent at that time, and his DFB-level momentum had waned, while Tah of Real Madrid and newly crowned German champion Jonathan Tah had secured their spots as the preferred duo in central defense.
"Without a doubt, if everyone remains healthy and maintains their current performance level, we won't be making any major changes to the team this summer," Nagelsmann said after the European Championships. Hummels' BVB colleague Schlotterbeck is one of the few players with a realistic chance of making it into the squad.
"Finding the best team combination"
Hummels' issue, which may have ultimately cost him his nomination, is his exceptional skill. It's not just about choosing the best individual players, but finding those who work best together. Nagelsmann emphasized several times that he values teamwork and is looking for "young challengers" who fit his existing roster. Nico Schlotterbeck and Robin Koch fit the bill as suitable partners for the established Tah and Rüdiger, and not the experienced Hummels. He favors young, passionate players. Schlotterbeck and Koch are likely to feel grateful for their nomination.
Despite the difficulty of excluding such a decorated player, Nagelsmann stood by his decisions, prioritizing the team's performance over any individual talent. "We're going for the title," the national coach declared without ambiguity. With 78 international caps, a World Cup victory, and an outstanding Champions League campaign, Nagelsmann doesn't see room for Hummels in his squad to contribute to the team's pursuit of the big goal.
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Despite his outstanding performance during the Champions League, Mats Hummels might not be included in Julian Nagelsmann's final roster for the national soccer team. Nagelsmann values teamwork and is looking for young players who can complement his existing squad, which includes Antonio Rüdiger and Tah.
Regarding Mats Hummels' potential exclusion, Julian Nagelsmann stated, "We're going for the title," emphasizing the importance of team performance over individual talent. This decision may be difficult given Hummels' significant achievements, including a World Cup victory and an exceptional Champions League campaign.
Source: www.ntv.de
