DEFENDERS

 

MARVIN PLATTENHARDT
Age: 26 Caps: 7

Plattenhardt made his unexpected World Cup debut in Die Mannschaft's opening match in Russia, with Jonas Hector laid low with illness. His shaky first involvement almost led to a Mexican goal, after which Toni Kroos avoided passing to the poor guy, so the rumours say. Left-back is Germany's problem position, but a stronger alternative should arrive by 2022.

Verdict: Out

JONAS HECTOR
Age: 28 Caps: 40

New blood might supplant Plattenhardt, but not long-term first-choice Hector, who Joachim Low is quite content to continue to keep faith with, in spite of the 28-year-old playing in the 2.Bundesliga with his beloved Koln next season.

Verdict: In

MATTHIAS GINTER
Age: 24 Caps: 18

Ginter has now been to two World Cups, and he is still yet to play a single minute. However, he is still just 24 and his versatility in defence can't be undervalued.

Verdict: In

MATS HUMMELS
Age: 29 Caps: 66

Hummels comes away from Russia with little blame attributable to him, save for the fair comment that he should have converted at least one of his three huge late chances against South Korea. Qatar will be his World Cup swansong.

Verdict: In

NIKLAS SULE
Age: 22 Caps: 12

The rising Bayern Munich man had a decent game against South Korea, and could soon find himself promoted to the coveted position of Hummels' regular centre-back partner.

Verdict: In

ANTONIO RUDIGER
Age: 25 Caps: 25

Rudiger came in for intense criticism for his performance in Germany's late, late win over Sweden but for now, at least, he's a regular starter for Chelsea and age is well on his side. Four years down the line he'll be a better player, not a worse one.

Verdict: In

JEROME BOATENG
Age: 29 Caps: 73

Boateng struggled with injury at the back end of last season and endured a dreadful time in Russia. He swiftly dismissed any talk of international retirement in wake of Germany's exit, stating his desire to pass his experience to their younger players - which sounded like the words of a man who knows he is winding down. He'll give retirement a second thought after Euro 2020.

Verdict: Out

JOSHUA KIMMICH
Age: 23 Caps: 32

Not much doubt here. Kimmich will be a mainstay of the squad for a long time.

Verdict: In