Lothar Matthäus disagrees with Julian Nagelsmann's plans for Germany's midfield at the World Cup

Last week, Julian Nagelsmann dropped a weird amount of inside information regarding his thoughts on Germany’s roster ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This is not a new thing for Nagelsmann who has always been known for his unique formations, tactics, and personnel. To his credit, he has been more successful with the national team than Hansi Flick or post-2014 Joachim Löw.

Nagelsmann lobbied for Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka, praised the multitude of number sixes at his disposal, and fired another parting shot at Manuel Neuer. Everyone seems to agree that Aleksandar Pavlović should be one of the starters, the other central midfield slot is up for grabs.

“I think Pavlovic is more the one who fetches the ball and Nmecha drives it from penalty area to penalty area,” Lothar Matthäus told Sky Sport. “That’s why I see Pavlovic more in the six position and Nmecha in the eight position at the World Cup.”

In the month-long training camp leading up to the tournament, Nagelsmann will need to solidify his starting XI if Germany has any hopes of making a deep run. It would be an absolute disaster if Germany is unable to break out of the group stage for a third straight World Cup, especially given the more forgiving 48-team format.