Kai Havertz has started each of Germany’s three games at Euro 2024 so far, but could Julian Nagelsmann spring a surprise in the Round of 16 against Denmark on Saturday night?
Arsenal’s Havertz has started as Germany’s No. 9 at this tournament, and has scored and assisted. Meanwhile, Niclas Füllkrug has two goals in just 73 minutes after coming on as a substitute, which leads to the age-old debate of who should start for Germany? Well, Nagelsmann could start both.
That’s according to Bild, who report that Nagelsmann may start Havertz in a deeper role, as the No. 10, with Füllkrug starting as the focal point. This would however likely result in Florian Wirtz, who scored Germany’s opening goal of the tournament against Scotland, dropping to the bench, with Ilkay Gündogan and Jamal Musiala both starting.
While impressing in Germany’s opening game, Wirtz struggled against Hungary and Switzerland, which may cause Nagelsmann to rethink against Denmark.
On Wednesday, DFB’s Rudi Völler also had his say on the situation: “Füllkrug’s scoring rate is exceptional. It’s incredible how he scored in the amount of playing time he gets. Nevertheless, Kai is a player I brought to Leverkusen when he was young, and he’s hugely important for the team.
“How he demands the ball, holds it, is always available to pass to, and wins headers. You also need a centre forward who can play, even if it’s not the classic type for that position. In his own way, he does it exceptionally well.”
There’s no doubt that Nagelsmann will use the remaining training sessions before Saturday’s game to perfect his team against a Denmark side that held England to a 1-1 draw.
