The Jack-of-All-Trades and the Prodigal Son: Julian Nagelsmann Faces Selection Dilemma (or Opportunity) at DFB

With Kai Havertz’s return, Julian Nagelsmann faces a complex decision regarding his attacking lineup – a welcome choice or a challenging dilemma?

Kai Havertz prioritized his much-anticipated return to the national team, even missing his son’s first birthday. «I managed to enjoy the morning with him,» the Arsenal star shared after his first DFB squad training in 492 days, before departing for Herzogenaurach. He acknowledged, «that’s just how the business works.»

Havertz expressed his eagerness to rejoin the squad, stating, «I missed the guys. Representing the national team and singing the anthem is truly special.» With the return of the versatile 25-year-old, Nagelsmann now faces a significant decision regarding the central striker position: a range of options or a difficult conundrum?

The German national team continues to lack a traditional world-class striker comparable to Harry Kane or Erling Haaland for the upcoming World Cup. Nagelsmann refers to this as a «major area we need to address.» Could Havertz lead the line, similar to his role in the previous home European Championship? Havertz himself noted, «For me, the key question has always been my ideal position. I feel comfortable across all offensive roles and offer significant flexibility.»

Havertz, now based in London, has an impressive record of 20 goals in 55 caps, scoring twice in each of his three major tournaments. He’s seen as a versatile, technical option, potentially forming an «irresistible trident» with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. However, Nagelsmann recognizes the need for diverse tactical approaches and player options, especially with up to eight matches leading to a potential fifth star.

Could Nick Woltemade Emerge as Germany’s Key Super-Sub?

Nagelsmann emphasized the necessity of a striker capable of winning aerial duels, stating, «We’ll definitely include a forward who can make an impact in the air, especially when our creative players can’t break down defenses.» He mentioned robust forwards like Niclas Füllkrug or Tim Kleindienst. However, Füllkrug «lacks consistent goal-scoring and sufficient playing time,» while the recovery of the injured Kleindienst «remains uncertain.»

Last autumn, Nick Woltemade garnered attention, with Nagelsmann commending him for «scoring four goals in the last three qualifying matches, effectively propelling us to the World Cup.» Havertz also praised him, noting, «Nick provides a significant presence in the box.» However, the 22-year-old has experienced a dip in form after a strong start at Newcastle, primarily playing as a number ten if he features at all, leading to a decline in his scoring rate.

Despite this, Nagelsmann holds Woltemade in high regard, describing him as «a fantastic character» and «always in good spirits.» He believes Woltemade could excel as a «super-sub due to his unorthodox playing style.» Nagelsmann affirmed, «I have complete trust in him and will give him the necessary patience.» However, he clarified that Woltemade is not a «classic counter-attacking forward who can sprint past defenders at 33 km/h.»

Nagelsmann has reserved a squad spot for a rapid «arrow» striker, a role contested by Karim Adeyemi, Maximilian Beier, and Kevin Schade. For this particular camp, only Schade will be given the opportunity to impress.

Deniz Undav’s Stellar Form: ‘Too Good to Be Left Out’

Then there’s Deniz Undav, whose club coach, Sebastian Hoeneß, describes him as a true «jack-of-all-trades» on the pitch. Hoeneß lauded the 27-year-old as «an absolutely complete striker,» highlighting his versatility to play as a traditional number nine, a withdrawn forward, or a number ten, which makes him «almost unique.»

Crucially, Undav is in phenomenal form, boasting 22 goals and twelve assists since November. Nagelsmann emphasized, «You simply cannot leave a striker with such an impressive record at home,» particularly given the importance of «momentum» in offensive play. He further praised Undav for «successfully executing» a wide array of tactical responsibilities beyond just goal contributions, encouraging him to «keep up the excellent work.»

Havertz believes the entire offensive unit must demonstrate a «hunger for goals,» and he intends to «lead by example.» He will also miss his own birthday on June 11 with his son, as just three days later, Havertz and the DFB squad commence their World Cup campaign against Curaçao.

DFB Team: Upcoming Matches for the German National Squad