Germany are always a contender when it comes to World Cup betting. In 2022, Die Mannschaft are not among the inner-circle favourites, however, as this a team in transition.
A new generation of German stars are flourishing, and their early exit from the Euros last summer has not inspired much confidence among those taking part in online betting.
Under the leadership of Hansi Flick, Germany still harbour ambitions of a deep run in Qatar this winter.
It will not be straight-forward, and if they are to defy the odds and reach yet another the final, these five players have a considerable role to play.
Jamal Musiala
Tied with a Bayern teammate for the highest market value in Germany’s World Cup squad, Jamal Musiala is one of the ascendant young players in world football. Since opting to represent his country of birth, Musiala has collected 17 caps.
Even in a squad with tonnes of attacking talent, Musiala is at the forefront of Germany’s plans.
A total of 11 goal involvements in just nine Bundesliga starts illustrates Musiala’s talent, a player capable of contributing as a scorer and creator, of helping his team with and without the ball.
Jamal Musiala this season:
— LiveScore (@livescore) October 29, 2022
👤 18 Apps
⚽️ 10 Goals
🎯 08 Assists
Starboy ✨🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/9RtkaeD9VY
Kai Havertz
Scorer of a brace against England in Germany’s final match of the September international break, Kai Havertz now has 10 goals in 30 caps.
With former Chelsea teammate Timo Werner struggling for form at club level, Germany might look to Havertz to lead the line in Qatar.
His form has been up and down at Chelsea, but Havertz has the physical and technical game to bring the best out of Germany’s other attacking talents.
Joshua Kimmich
Previously used out on the right, Joshua Kimmich is back in his best position for Germany. One of the premier central midfielders in world football, the Bayern Munich man can control games for Die Mannschaft.
Ilkay Gundogan and Leon Goretzka are in contention to join Kimmich in the midfield two.
All three could play if Flick opts to pack the middle third. Kimmich is the anchor, though, and the player responsible for making this Germany team tick.
David Raum
David Raum looks to have cemented his place on the left of Germany’s defence with a string of starts in 2022. Full-back has been something of a weak spot for Germany in recent years.
Able to support the attack, Raum has proven to be a solid defender at club level with RB Leipzig.
Compared to many of his teammates, his experience in big matches is relatively limited, and it’ll be fascinating to see how he copes in Qatar.
Most chances created during the 2021/22 Bundesliga season:
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 21, 2022
◉ 1st - Filip Kostić (87)
◉ 3rd - David Raum (83)
◉ 9th - Borna Sosa (61)
Thomas Tuchel needs to do some shopping back home. 😅 pic.twitter.com/H6LtSsC96F
Thomas Müller
A former World Cup Golden Boot winner, Thomas Müller skippered Germany in the last international and is a reminder of the previous, successful generation.
His colleagues from 2010, 2014 and 2018 have either retired or been replaced, but Müller continues to flourish at the highest level for club and country.
His role has evolved, yet he remains a goal threat, with six international goals since the start of 2021. Müller’s tournament knowhow is invaluable to a relatively young Germany team.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 2nd November 2022
