Jürgen Klopp is set to make his highly anticipated international managerial debut as Germany face the Netherlands away from home on Thursday evening. The clash in Amsterdam could see several uncapped Bundesliga stars earn their first senior caps under the new Bundestrainer.
Attacking Talent and Tough Choices
Among the players hoping to make their international bow is Eintracht Frankfurt striker Younes Ebnoutalib. The 23-year-old decided to represent Germany internationally over Morocco, despite holding talks with the North African nation for this international break. Ebnoutalib confirmed he “couldn’t say no when Klopp calls” after a strong start to the Bundesliga season, which included a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw against Union Berlin. He has scored five goals and assisted two in his first ten appearances for Frankfurt, including a goal on his Bundesliga debut against Borussia Dortmund.
Another attacking player, Hoffenheim’s Bambasé Conté, was also named in Klopp’s initial squad. The 23-year-old has started the season strongly with two assists. However, reports suggest that Klopp has opted to leave Conté out of the matchday squad for the game against the Netherlands, as only 23 players can be named.
Defensive and Midfield Prospects
Augsburg fullback Hennes Behrens, 21, is another player in contention for a debut. Despite never being called up to a Germany youth national team, Behrens earned a spot in Klopp’s first squad following an impressive start to the season with Augsburg. He has played every minute in their first five games.
SC Freiburg has contributed three uncapped players to the squad. Defender Treu, who has played on both flanks for his club, has only two U19 appearances for Germany youth teams. He expressed being “blown away” by his first meetings with the new Bundestrainer, vowing “to go through fire for Klopp”. Fellow Freiburg defender Rosenfelder, 23, was called up by Klopp instead of the more experienced Matthias Ginter, despite not yet securing a regular starting berth at club level. Midfielder Yannik Engelhardt, 25, has made a quick impression since his summer move to Freiburg, scoring a brace in a 5-0 victory. He previously played under Cesc Fabregas during a spell in Serie A.
Goalkeeping Option
Augsburg goalkeeper Dahmen is the only player to be included in both of Klopp’s initial squads. He made his Bundesliga breakthrough with a “Man of the Match” performance against Borussia Dortmund and has since become a number one at Augsburg, making his 100th Bundesliga appearance recently.
Klopp’s decision to play Joshua Kimmich in midfield for Germany is expected to open doors for other players in the squad. The upcoming match marks the beginning of a new era for the German national team under the former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool manager.