Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm has urged Julian Nagelsmann to reposition Joshua Kimmich in central midfield for Germany’s upcoming World Cup Round of 32 encounter with Paraguay, arguing that the Bayern Munich veteran’s leadership is currently wasted at right-back.
Kimmich has operated as a full-back throughout the group phase, but Lahm believes the 29-year-old should replace Aleksandar Pavlović in the engine room to provide stability against the South Americans.
Lahm’s Assessment
Writing in Kicker, Lahm was critical of Pavlović’s tournament form. “In this tournament, Aleksandar Pavlović has not really impressed so far; I see an incredible number of simple ball losses. He is not ideally positioned on the pitch. That is why I see Joshua Kimmich in midfield,” Lahm stated.
Lahm contended that Kimmich’s “strengths and leadership qualities are needed” in the centre of the park, where he has excelled for club and country over the past decade. The tactical adjustment would restore Kimmich to the position he has occupied for Bayern Munich throughout his career.
Defensive Reshuffle
To facilitate the move, Lahm proposed a defensive solution that would see Borussia Dortmund’s Waldemar Anton deputise at right-back despite his usual role in central defence.
“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,” Lahm wrote regarding Kimmich. “He can help the defense, just as he can help the attack with his long passes. Felix Nmecha is currently a better fit alongside him. Therefore, Pavlović would have to drop out of the starting eleven.”
The proposed switch would see Pavlović drop to the bench, with Nmecha retained as Kimmich’s midfield partner. Anton, who has featured for Dortmund primarily as a centre-back, would face the challenge of adapting to a wider defensive role against Paraguay’s attack.
Germany progressed to the knockout phase after navigating the group stage, though their midfield performances have drawn scrutiny. Nagelsmann must now decide whether to heed his former captain’s advice or maintain the system that carried the Nationalmannschaft through the initial rounds.