Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule will gain invaluable experience with Germany in their World Cup title defense in Russia.
The German national team is comprised of many Bayern Munich players. Some of them — such as Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer — were pivotal for Germany’s success in 2014. Joshua Kimmich has also gained some vital experience with the national team after playing with Die Mannschaft at Euro 2016. Niklas Sule, however, is the only Bayern player who will play his first big tournament for Germany.
Sule was in the German squad which won the Confederations Cup last summer. He was also part of the young German team which won the silver medal at Olympics in 2016. But to be selected in Germany’s senior team to play at the World Cup is a completely a different level. The 22-year-old defender has grown rapidly in the past couple of years. Such experience with Germany will greatly aid his development.
Less gametime at the World Cup is not a worry for Sule
There were a few eyebrows raised when Bayern Munich announced the signing of Niklas Sule in December 2016. The German defender reportedly rejected approaches from Chelsea to join the German champions. There were concerns regarding the gametime Sule would get at Bayern, as he was effectively the fourth choice center-back when he arrived at the club.
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However, at the end of the season, Sule had played 42 games for Bayern Munich in all competitions. His performances gradually improved as the season went on. His selection for the German national team is a testament to his excellent debut season in Bavaria.
Low is likely to stick with Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels as his first choice pairing in Russia. Moreover, Antonio Rudiger might be third in the pecking order for the center-back position.
So it is likely that Sule is going to get very few minutes in Russia. However, this experience will likely make Sule an even better defender. His involvement with the national team is one more step in the right direction for Sule.
The right mentality to deliver in big games
Bayern Munich were without Jerome Boateng for the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid. Jupp Heynckes was reluctant to use either David Alaba or Javi Martinez in the heart of the defense.
The German manager instead opted for Niklas Sule along with Mats Hummels against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Bayern Munich were knocked out of the Champions League on that night, but they delivered a spirited performance away from home. Sule was probably the best defender for Bayern on the night.
Boateng has been struggling with injuries in the past two years.It would not be a surprise if he suffers some minor knocks during the tournament. If such a situation arrives, then Germany can expect Sule to slot in perfectly. Moreover, the presence of Hummels and Kimmich will allow him to settle easily, as he has played with them often in a back four at club level.
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Conclusion
It is realistically possible that Sule ends the World Cup with zero minutes for Germany. However, this experience is likely to make him a much better player. He has improved steadily with the likes of Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels at the club. A similar effect can certainly be expected during the World Cup.