It was all very strange. Ozil seemed to play as 8 with Kroos as 6 Of course because there were 5 at the back, Hummels and co could step straight out into defensive midfield when the attackers tried to get in the hole I thought Italy did better at playing through the middle in the second half but overall lacked quality I presume in a real game, there would be a 3rd midfielder
Children & work (not necessarily in that order) have kept me away. I've become the Klose of BigSoccer now. Will show up only for the tournaments and big friendlies.
Does Schmelzer still have a chance for Euro 2016?, or does Germany still need him? I don't think Loew will bring 2 LB for Euro 2016
I'm not a fan of Khedira, but I am a fan of Gundogan and Oezil. If you're going to play Oezil as a deep playmaker, you need an industrious midfielder like Khedira in front of him. I just don't have much confidence in Schweini getting fit enough to play.
Hector has done a good job as the LB. He's solid defensively and good going forward. The big issue is RB.
I fear Schmelzer's chance has passed. Hector has been doing very solidly at left back, he plays at a lower level then Schmelzer but seems to be more compatible with Löw`s system.
Two reasons: Schmelzer had his chances and he bottled them. 2nd: Schmelzer is not quite fit to participate in offense interlink play as Hector does.
Mustafi also played well !! He was solid , just like Hummels. Overall this team in this formation impressed me. As with the WC , if Loew can sort out the defence we will have a good chance , upfront and midfield we are way better then ok. Not sure about Rudy and Hector but they both played well . I haven't followed Hector or Rudy in the bundesliga - also they don't have CL experience - are they really one of the best in the BL? Does anyone know how they do at their clubs?
I would describe Hector as solid. He will be just as effective at LB as Hoewedes was, but more technical and faster.
I really liked how well Germany set up in the 3-4-3 despite only having two Bayern players that are familiar with the formation from Pep. I think it could be an interesting tactical variation that could be used as an offensive "throw the kitchen sink" scenario playing from behind, or for breaking down tough bunkers that have sustained the more conservative 4-2-3-1.
Still wondering in a 3-4-3 setup with say boateng /mustafi / Hummels at the back if a Khedira/Schweinie or Gundogan couldn't play RWB or LWB, as good or better then a Rudy or Hector??? Oezil played deeper yesterday and as said previously players like Alaba and Lahm have switched between those positions ..
I think one of the reasons that Ozil played deeper yesterday is that Low needed someone with vision to be able to mobilize our transition game. If Gundogan is healthy, I believe that is a position he will likely play, and Ozil would play further forward again. I have to say however, Ozil played well in that role (granted Italy's attacking firepower leaves something to be desired). Ever since his time off for his injury, Ozil has looked like a refreshed and more motivated player. He also looks like he's added a bit of muscle mass.....
I don't see the point of misusing players out of position in the manner you describe. Hector has, on the whole, provided a performance level somewhere in between "good" and "serviceable" at LB/LWB, I don't mind him. And there has to be a RB out there that's better than three players that have never played RB in their life, outside of a brief "throw the kitchen sink" moment in the Italy EURO 2012 matchup for Khedira.
Hector maybe be not the best, but when he got the chance, he could satisfy Loew, something that Jansen, Aogo, Schmelzer could not do in the past For RB, still hope Durm will get the chance, coz he can also play LB for Hector's back up, don't think Loew will bring 2 LB for Euro 2016 For RB back up, Howedes, Mustafi, Ruediger, Can all can do that
LB seems will be only Hector, I don't know why Löw doesn't call Schmelzer, he would be the most obvious choice. Another choice is Plattenhardt. RBs seem will be Rudy and Can, strange choices imho. I also hope in Durm and Lars Bender. Also Jantschke can play there.
That was over three years ago. Why would it be so bad to try him again in a friendly? Maybe it works out better this time? Schmelzer is playing well in the BL and has tons of international experience. Löw invites other players who have been crap for years now (Podolski) and they get to play again and again and again. He also continously invites players who have never played a great game for the national team yet (Rudy, Mustafi, Rüdiger, Can) and plays all of them out of position at right-back. So, why not use these friendlies to test real full-backs like Schmelzer, Durm and Weiser? Those three are currently the best German left-backs and right-backs in the BL. What is there to lose for the NT? Löw has already seen enough of Hector to know what he can do. He doesn't have to play every single game just because Löw refuses to try out someone else. And why play random midfielders at right-back all the time? Rudy isn't even a great midfielder, never mind full-back.
I would like to see other guys at RB, but I think Hector has now done enough to secure the starting LB spot.
Agreed. And I also sympathize with @Sifrit. It'd seem RB is currently where Löw dumps all the players he likes, just not enough to put them in their correct positions. Durm, Weiser, and Jantschke all deserve a shot before Can, Rudy, or Rüdiger get yet more chances IMO. RB should belong to actual RBs, not out-of-position CMs and CBs.
Jantschke has not played for a long time due to injury, Weiser is as much a RB as Can.. and he plays in a total different setup with Hertha with a whole team defending. I doubt he can deliver enough defensive stability in the NT setup. He's also inexperienced on the international stage whereas Rüdiger, Mustafi and Can have proven themselves already in different leagues. Rudy is just a squad player but not as bad as many think. Can't see how he's worse than e.g. Schmelzer.
Does that mean he has to play every single game? Why not try other guys in friendlies, like Löw does for all other positions on the field? Schmelzer might play better now. It has been over three years since his last chance with the NT. What if Hector gets injured? There is no replacement. And no, Höwedes is no left-back and wasn't great at the WC. Just check his Kicker ratings if you can't remember. Apart from the Brazil game he was usually rated about 3,5. Besides, Höwedes has been injured all year. It's not very likely that he will be fit for the Euros.
Where did I talk about Höwedes? Anyways he's better on the right anyways. Hector doesn't play CL or EL, nor does he have endless chemistry with Hummels and Boateng. You need to get him as comfortable as possible for the Euros.
Rudy is no full-back. He is a mediocre midfielder who got called up to the NT while sitting on Hoffenheim's bench. Schmelzer is currently the best German LB in the BL. Better than Hector. He has regularly played CL and not looked out of place against teams like Real Madrid. I guess, I just don't understand why some people are so strongly opposed to even test him in a friendly, just because he wasn't great 3 years ago. If he's still not functioning in the NT, well then don't invite him again. If it works now (especially combined with Reus in front of him and Hummels next to him), then there is another option at a position that has been a problem for many years now. Why not give him another try?