Jürgen Klopp's Surprise Nomination: Can Felix Keidel Solve Germany's Right-Back Woes?

Jürgen Klopp's selection for the upcoming Nations League matches features a surprising inclusion: the versatile Felix Keidel. He could be the answer to a persistent problem plaguing the German national team.

Upon his introduction as the new national coach, Jürgen Klopp emphasized a fresh start, stating that few players could guarantee their place. Selections would be based on performance, current form, and work ethic.

Klopp mentioned having 57 players on a preliminary list for his initial games. While he didn't name names, it was clear he was considering individuals with no prior national team experience. This approach aims to move past the disappointment of three consecutive World Cup failures with new faces.

Felix Keidel, a 23-year-old from SV Elversberg, appears to be one of these new prospects. Reports from Bild and confirmed by kicker indicate Keidel has received a call-up from the national coach. This nomination is unexpected, given Keidel has only three Bundesliga appearances and limited experience at the highest level.

Felix Keidel's Career Path

Keidel began his youth career at FC Ingolstadt in 2012. He progressed through their youth system before being promoted to the professional team in the summer of 2022. He established himself in the first team during his debut season at 20 years old, making 37 appearances in the 3. Liga, contributing one goal and four assists.

In 2025, he moved up a division to SV Elversberg for a modest fee of €400,000. He quickly became a starter under coach Vincent Wagner, playing 25 games (13 starts) and playing a significant role in Elversberg's surprise promotion to the Bundesliga.

Keidel's journey from the third tier to the Bundesliga took just over two years. His three Bundesliga games against Leverkusen, Gladbach, and Bayern (scoring one goal), along with a DFB-Pokal match against MSV Duisburg (two assists), apparently impressed Klopp enough to earn him a national team chance.

Can Felix Keidel Address a Key German Team Weakness?

Whether Keidel possesses the immediate quality to be a decisive player for the national team remains to be seen. However, Klopp likely values Keidel's exceptional versatility, allowing him to be deployed in multiple positions.

During his time at Ingolstadt, Keidel played various roles. Under FCI coach Sabrina Wittmann, he featured at both right-back and left-back (his natural position is right-back in a back four), as well as in central and attacking midfield roles.

After moving to Elversberg, his role became more defensive. While he primarily played right-back during the promotion season, coach Wagner now frequently uses him in defensive midfield alongside Lukasz Poreba.

Klopp and the German team are likely eyeing Keidel primarily as a right-back. Since Philipp Lahm's retirement and Joshua Kimmich's move to midfield, no player has consistently convinced in this position. Klopp's predecessors, Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann, tried numerous options without lasting success. Players like Benjamin Henrichs, Ridle Baku, Josha Vagnoman, and even Kimmich's brief return to the role at the 2026 World Cup were short-lived experiments.

German football continues to search for a high-quality, long-term solution at right-back. Perhaps the unassuming Keidel is the answer.