On the back of an unremarkable UEFA Euro 2024 competition and a grand total of 19 games as German captain, İlkay Gündoğan officially announced his retirement from international football.
The former Borussia Dortmund man proved to be a loyal servant to the German national team and “A fantastic captain”, according to current manager, Julian Nagelsmann.
As Gündoğan removes himself from the picture, it begs one question: Who will Julian Nagelsmann’s next captain be?
Well, one former Bayern Munich and Germany legend, Didi Hamann, seems to have his candidate (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
“It would surprise me if Joshua Kimmich isn’t the new DFB captain. He has always stood his ground. Since the Corona situation, he has been criticized non-stop. It feels like he can’t please anyone. Despite that, he regularly steps up and performs. He’s also stress-resistant. In my opinion, Kimmich is absolutely suitable as DFB captain,” said Hamann.
Joshua Kimmich captaining the German national team feels like it has been a long time coming. When Julian Nagelsmann took over the head coach role for Germany, many speculated Kimmich being elected as captain given the player and coach’s close relationship from Bayern Munich. However, in an unexpected turn of events, İlkay Gündoğan was named as Nagelsmann’s first captain.
Now that Gündoğan has retired, the captain’s seat is open for the taking.
Manuel Neuer is another potential candidate now that he seems likely to stay on with the national team, however, given the 38-year-old’s tumultuous history with Nagelsmann, it seems unlikely.
Given Neuer’s unlikely appointment as captain, Herr Hamann has a very valid opinion, with Kimmich surely being the next most likely candidate.
While a betting man would put money on Kimmich, Nagelsmann has been known to have a few surprised up his sleeve, so until the 37-year-old manager confirms who the knew captain will be, it’s anyone’s guess
Who do you think the new German captain will be? Is there a better alternative to Joshua Kimmich?
Let us know what you think in the comments!
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