Article Written:
January, 22, 2010
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Defence:
As you can see the ages of the defenders below, Germany has a lot of young talent in the defence-line. Arne Friedrich is the most experienced one with 69 international matches. However, the head of the defence is Per Mertesacker who has 59 international matches for the German team and he is five years younger than Friedrich.
Germany has always counted on their strong defence and this year is no exception as it looks very solid. Coach Loew mixed experience with youth. Philipp Lahm and Mertesacker have a lot of international experience and are the ‘vital points’ of the German line. With the injured Heiko Westermann from Schalke, the Germans lost a robust work horse. Lahm will be the main full-back and will force some pressure on the outsides. With the giant Mertesacker and the fast dribblers Lahm, Aogo, Schäfer and Boatang Germany will have a strong defence. The dribblers are also good passers and have a dangerous cross. Loew will put two strong defenders with experience in the middle (Mertesacker and Westermann/Friedrich/Huth) and will let the youth (Lahm, Aogo) attack on the flank. Mertesacker, Lahm, Aogo, and Friedrich (Loew’s pet) will all be set in the final roster. The ‘wild guys’ on the flank will either be a big part of the German success or will prove to be a big chink in the German’s armor, if the opponents can exploit the lack of international experience.
Defenders:
Dennis Aogo (23), (Hamburger SV) – a young and fast defender with lots of talent that is fun to watch.
Andreas Beck (22), (Hoffenheim) – a solid defender with good positional play, but he lacks speed so he is out-run by faster opponents.
Jerome Boateng (21), (Hamburger SV)– like Aogo he’s a fast and unorthodox young player although sometimes he can be a ball-hog and miss creating potential scoring opportunities or advantages for his teammates.
Arne Friedrich (30), (Hertha BSC)– the veteran on this German defense - on his club (Hertha) Friedrich is a reliable player, but in the national arena he delivers a streaky performance, which can be terrifying for German hearts.
Philipp Lahm (26), (FC Bayern)- a solid player for his team and one of the best German full-backs. Small and fast with urgency towards the goal.
Per Mertesacker (25), (Bremen) – he is huge and header-strong with quick tackling abilities - the silent core of the German defense.
Robert Huth (25), (Stoke City) – his last performances in the national team were not that entertaining.
Marcel Schäfer (25), (Wolfsburg)– had a rough season and was dragged down by his club team, but could develop into a brilliant and potent goal-threat with his passes.
Serdar Tasci (23), (VfB Stuttgart) – another young defender, he is fast and has some good ideas that create opportunities for his teammates.
Christian Traesch (22), (VfB Stuttgart) – another ‘newcomer’ on this team (only 1 game for germany) with a streaky club season so far.
Potential Call-ups:
Holger Badstuber (20) (Real Madrid) played a good first career-season as a starter and is supposed to be the next big thing in Munich.
Gonzalo Castro (22), (Leverkusen) is one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga.
Heiko Westermann (26), (Schalke) a sacrificially player and work horse, is currently injured making him questionable for the final 22 man roster.
Manuel Friedrich (30), (Leverkusen) played a good season (some minor injuries) with his club and should be considered for the German team.
Mats Hummels (21), (Dortmund) young and talented, has four goals this season.
For a more in depth look at the entire roster please click on the links below.
OVERVIEW
GOAL
MIDFIELD
FORWARD
- Tjaden F. Bricout - RotoKingdom Staff Writer
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