«Incomprehensible»: Club Legend Criticizes Absence of BVB-linked Star in Julian Nagelsmann’s DFB Squad

Borussia Dortmund legend Roman Weidenfeller has voiced his strong disapproval of national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s squad selection for the upcoming March international matches.

The former long-serving BVB goalkeeper specifically lamented the absence of a player in the current form of Maximilian Beier from the German national team for the friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana later this month.

Weidenfeller praised the forward, who plays for TSG Hoffenheim, saying he had «played exceptionally strong in recent weeks and also made the difference.» The former BVB star stated, «I would have wished for Maxi to be included,» deeming his omission «not comprehensible for me.»

Indeed, Beier has been in formidable form for several weeks. The 23-year-old has scored five goals and registered four assists in his last twelve Bundesliga matches. He also excelled as a goal-scorer in the Champions League playoff first leg against Atalanta Bergamo (2-0).

Consequently, Beier’s output this season is impressive despite inconsistent performances in the first half of the season, contributing to 16 goals (nine goals, seven assists) across 36 competitive appearances.

Nagelsmann Aims to Take at Most Two ‘Counter-Attacking Forwards’ to the World Cup

Beier, however, has been excluded from the DFB team since October, having also been overlooked for the November training camp. While Nagelsmann clarified during his squad announcement on Thursday that this was «not yet a World Cup nomination» and the door remained «open» for some unconsidered players, a spectator role just months before the World Cup is far from a good omen.

Nagelsmann further outlined his strategy: «Some players can still prove themselves, others we already know will stay at home. We want a good mix of the core that will play the World Cup and fresh new forces.» He also stated his intention to take only one or two «counter-attacking forwards» to the World Cup, listing Beier, his Borussia Dortmund teammate Karim Adeyemi, and Kevin Schade from FC Brentford as examples. For the upcoming test matches, only Schade was included, with Adeyemi also receiving a rejection.

Weidenfeller Criticizes Adeyemi’s Consistency

Weidenfeller also commented on Karim Adeyemi’s omission. He acknowledged that Adeyemi «has recently shown he can make a difference for Dortmund» possessing «pace, flair, and a good finish.» However, Weidenfeller stated the issue is that Adeyemi «proves it far too seldom, and that is the problem why he was not invited.»

Alongside Schade, the German attacking lineup is completed by Serge Gnabry, Lennart Karl (both FC Bayern Munich), Jamie Leweling, Deniz Undav (both VfB Stuttgart), Kai Havertz (FC Arsenal), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray Istanbul), Florian Wirtz (FC Liverpool), and Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United). Midfielders Leon Goretzka (FC Bayern Munich) and Felix Nmecha (BVB) are also listed in this offensive category.

DFB Team, Schedule: The German National Team’s Upcoming Matches