Analysis: Flick’s limited midfield options end up with Kimmich to cover defensive issues
BERLIN, June 9– Mentioning the names of German midfielders might tell the tricky task Hansi Flick is facing on the road to the UEFA Euro 2024.. The 2020 treble winner’s top-class midfielders share a common disadvantage, as Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Ilkay Gundogan, Julian Brandt, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz cover offensive demands close to perfect but are…
by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, June 9 (Xinhua) — Mentioning the names of German midfielders might tell the tricky task Hansi Flick is facing on the road to the UEFA Euro 2024.
The 2020 treble winner’s top-class midfielders share a common disadvantage, as Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Ilkay Gundogan, Julian Brandt, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz cover offensive demands close to perfect but are lacking a defensive attitude.
To withstand opponents’ counterattacks has become one of the most pressing issues for the 58-year-old, while his options seem limited following a disappointing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the painful group exit.
“The question is, does our six in midfield manage to close the gaps when we face pressure and get outpaced in midfield?” the former Bayern Munich coach revealed.
While his former club might share the same difficulties, the Bavarians seem on the way to finding a solution in the form of a new arrival. Rumors talk of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as the first choice covering the backup job behind Kimmich and Goretzka.
As a national coach, Flick’s options seem limited as he is forced to get things fixed with the players available.
Times seem short to get the job done until the 2024 tournament’s kick-off, and therefore Flick must rely on his first choice such as Kimmich coming along with the 28-year-old’s desire to conduct his team’s game instead of entirely focusing on doing the heavy work in the back.
As it is more than a bold guess that Kimmich is far from what is called a traditional six, the German coach is triggering a series of tests in the upcoming friendlies against Ukraine, Poland and Colombia.
Flick is talking about a back-chain of three supported by two offensive full-backs, who are positioned in midfield ready to help in the back when necessary.
“It might be a case of speed to get things done,” Flick said.
The German coach announced to test of a back-row of three, with Kimmich placed slightly ahead of the defense.
Flick called the topic a case of stability and determination. “Joshua has a unique passing quality and always finds solutions with the ball. I’m convinced he is the right man for the job,” the 2014 world champion stated.
Flick depends on a well-working midfield cleaner to create efficiency upfront and stability in the back.
The team’s entire structure is a stake when gaps can’t be closed.
Flick is concerned “as we are allowing too many opponents’ chances due to missing stability.”
With only Dortmund’s Emre Can as an alternative, Flick isn’t willing to do without Kimmich. “A few months ago, we talked about him as a world-class midfielder, and now his participation is doubted; things go wrong in my perspective,” Flick said.
He is insisting that Kimmich is well-equipped to deal with stressful game situations. Enditem