The list came loaded with a number of surprises, especially for Bayern Munich fans, who may not easily accept the exclusion of Tom Bischoff, even though he was seen as a dynamic and talented option who could give the team’s midfield an important technical addition. Saeed Al-Mulla was also absent, after previous indications suggested that he might be included in the final group.
On the other hand, some of the names present sparked widespread controversy, led by Manuel Neuer, Leon Goretzka, and Leroy Sane. The return of Neuer and Goretzka does not receive consensus, while Sane’s presence remains a matter of greater debate, especially since Nagelsmann had previously said that the player would need an exceptional season in the Turkish league in order to return to the national team, before this criterion practically changes with his selection on the list. Sane finished his season with 7 goals and 9 assists in 43 matches in all competitions.
The list of goalkeepers included: Oliver Baumann, Manuel Neuer, and Alexander Nubel.
In the defensive line, Nagelsmann summoned: Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown, Pascal Gross, Joshua Kimmich, Felix Nmecha, Alexander Pavlovic, David Raum, Antonio Rudiger, Niko Schlotterbeck, Angelo Stieler, Jonathan Tah, Malik Thiaw.
As for the offensive side, the names were as follows: Nadeem Amiri, Maximilian Bayer, Leon Goretzka, Kai Havertz, Lennart Karl, Jimmy Lewelling, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, Deniz Undav, Florian Wirtz, Nick Wohlmeide.
With this list, the German team enters the World Cup with a mixture of experience and youth, but Nagelsmann’s choices quickly opened the door to a basic question: Did the coach choose the most prepared names, or did he prefer confidence and experience at the expense of up-and-coming players who were waiting for their chance?
