Fresh off a positively-received EURO 2024 campaign, Germany is a team full of optimism. There is a sense of renewed belief surrounding Die Mannschaft, but there are going to be some big shoes to fill ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup — like those of retiring midfielder Toni Kroos.
Now that Kroos is gone, some are looking to Bayern Munich youngster Aleksandar Pavloić, who was part of Julian Nagelsmann’s initial Germany squad before dropping out due to an ill-timed bout of tonsillitis. Pavlović has quickly risen to prominence at Bayern.
But could he become a like-for-like replacement for the Real Madrid legend? Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn does not feel the 20-year old is ready for that just yet.
“Pavlović is an interesting player, but I would be cautious about that. I don’t think we have players who can be thrown into the team now, at a very young age, who will be ready to play in this important role in two years,” Kahn explained for Bild TV (as captured by tz).
As for what Germany now needs, Kahn references Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodi.
“He has only one thought, he’s at the center, he’s the rhythm generator, he’s the one through whom everything runs, he plays brilliant passes, he’s strong in tackles,” Kahn added of the recent EURO 2024 winner. “This balance is important to find and this balance often did not exist between Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka.”