German Legends Urge Nagelsmann to Shift Kimmich to Midfield Against Paraguay
As Germany prepares for a do-or-die World Cup round-of-32 clash against Paraguay on Monday, two of the nation's most iconic football figures have publicly called on head coach Julian Nagelsmann to reposition captain Joshua Kimmich from right-back to his natural central midfield role. The mounting pressure follows a lackluster group-stage performance that saw Germany finish second in Group E after a 2-1 loss to Ecuador.
Philipp Lahm, who captained Germany to World Cup glory in 2014, wrote in a Kicker column that midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović has “not really impressed” in the tournament and is losing possession too often. “I see an incredible number of simple ball losses. He is not ideally positioned on the pitch,” Lahm said. “That is why I see Joshua Kimmich in midfield.”
Lahm argued that Kimmich's “strengths and leadership qualities are needed” in the center of the park. “He's played at a high level there for about ten years, both for the national team and Bayern Munich. He would give the team stability, and his strengths would be much more apparent. He can help the defense, just as he can help the attack with his long passes.”
Lahm suggested Felix Nmecha partner Kimmich in midfield, with Borussia Dortmund’s Waldemar Anton filling in at right-back — a position not natural for Anton, who usually plays center-back.
Lothar Matthäus, another German legend and Ballon d'Or winner, echoed the sentiment. Speaking to Bild, Matthäus said: “Do [Kimmich] a favor and get him out of the backline. I don’t see the Joshua on the pitch that I’ve known for years. At Bayern Munich, he is absolute world-class. From the right-back spot, he just can’t seem to manage it.”
Matthäus added that Kimmich’s body language and influence on the team are diminished when he is stationed out wide.
The Tactical Dilemma Behind the Calls
Nagelsmann’s decision to deploy Kimmich at right-back during the group stage was rooted in defensive pragmatism. Germany’s backline has lacked stability, and the coach sought to add experience and positional discipline to the flanks. However, the trade-off has been a significant loss of creativity and control in central midfield.
Kimmich, a world-class orchestrator for Bayern Munich, dictates tempo, presses aggressively, and delivers incisive long passes from the middle. At right-back, his influence is naturally more limited, often reduced to defensive chores and overlapping runs. With Pavlović struggling to impose himself and the team failing to dominate possession against tier-two opponents, the argument to restore Kimmich to his best position has gained momentum.
Germany’s group-stage campaign was a mixed bag. After a comfortable opening win, a shock defeat to Ecuador exposed deep structural issues. According to CBS Sports, Monday’s fixture against Paraguay is seen as a chance for Germany “to flex their muscles,” but a stumble here would mean a second consecutive early World Cup exit, following humiliation in 2022. The pressure is immense.
What a Shift Would Mean for Germany and Paraguay
Moving Kimmich to midfield would likely mean benching Pavlović or shifting the formation to accommodate two central playmakers alongside a holding midfielder. Lahm’s preference for Nmecha — a physically imposing, ball-carrying midfielder — suggests a double pivot designed to shield the defense while allowing Kimmich to roam and orchestrate.
Waldemar Anton at right-back would be a gamble. While the Dortmund defender is reliable in central areas, he lacks the pace and crossing ability of a natural full-back. Paraguay, a team that finished third in a weak Group D, will look to exploit any defensive uncertainty. They are not expected to dominate possession, but they are capable of counterattacking with speed.
Kimmich’s leadership — as captain — is also under scrutiny. Matthäus argued that from right-back, Kimmich “can’t exert influence when things aren’t going well.” Restoring him to midfield could elevate his ability to organize the team and set the tempo, potentially unlocking the best version of Germany’s captain.
This tactical decision mirrors a broader debate within German football: whether to prioritize defensive solidity or creative midfield control. The national team has long prided itself on technical, possession-based football, but recent tournaments have shown a vulnerability to physical, direct opponents. Nagelsmann must now decide which identity he wants for Monday’s crucial match.
Broader Implications for Nagelsmann’s Future
The outcome of this game — and the Kimmich decision — could define Nagelsmann’s tenure. Already under pressure after the Ecuador loss, the coach faces a win-or-go-home scenario. A defeat to Paraguay would likely trigger a reckoning within the German Football Association (DFB), possibly leading to Nagelsmann’s dismissal and a major squad overhaul.
Meanwhile, Kimmich’s positional use highlights a long-standing tension between club and national team roles. For Bayern Munich, he is the midfield engine; for Germany, he has often been a utility player. The inability to settle on a consistent position has, at times, hindered his individual impact.
The debate is echoed by fans and analysts across platforms like Bavarian Football Works, where observers note that Germany risks “losing one of the world’s best midfield orchestrators” by keeping him at right-back.
As Monday’s clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough approaches, all eyes will be on Nagelsmann’s team sheet. Whether he heeds the advice of Lahm and Matthäus — or sticks with his defensive setup — could determine whether Germany advances or faces an earlier flight home.
Injuries and form have also complicated the picture. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who replaced the injured Manuel Neuer, has been steady but not spectacular. Earlier reports suggested Ter Stegen on Verge of Ajax Loan as Barcelona Seek Salary Relief, though his focus remains on the World Cup. Meanwhile, Germany’s World Cup hopes already looked fragile after a group-stage stumble, a situation dissected in Germany’s World Cup Exit Exposes High Cost of Manuel Neuer Gamble.
A win over Paraguay would not only relieve immediate pressure but also set up a potentially deeper run — and, perhaps, reaffirm Kimmich’s role as the midfield general Germany needs.
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