Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller can still play a pivotal for the national team.
It was a painful international break for Germany as they missed out on a place in the final four of the UEFA Nations League. The manner of defeat against Spain was more concerning as Germany conceded six goals and showed very less leadership on the pitch. The poor performance last week has further strengthened the notion of recalling Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller back in the fold.
Muller has not been part of the senior team since March 2019. Along with him, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels have also been omitted from the squad as Joachim Low was eager to build up a young core for Euros. Boateng announced retirement from international football, but Muller and Hummels are yet to make such a decision.
Low has been sticking to his decision despite inconsistent performances from the team. There is pressure mounting on him after the defeat against Spain. The German manager could surely do with some sort of leadership in the team that could guide young players.
Muller will provide leadership and quality on the pitch. The German forward has started the season well, scoring four and creating six for his teammates. While speaking to Sky Germany over the weekend (via Goal), Muller is not giving up on the possibility of making a return to the national team. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)
"“That certainly hurts. Of course, you suffer for your team-mates in the club, with the players you know, with whom you have played – and also a little with the spectators.”“As I said, none of us has resigned.”"
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
When Low took the decision to axe Muller from the squad, he had fair reasons to do it. The German forward was struggling to be productive in the final third under Niko Kovac. At the start of the 2019/20 campaign, Muller hinted at leaving Bavaria after struggling to get playing time under the Croatian manager.
However, things changed drastically for Muller when Hansi Flick was appointed as first-team manager. He has rediscovered himself at Bayern, becoming a chief creator in the final third. Muller was the key player for Die Roten during the treble-winning season. The German forward managed to set a new record in the Bundesliga for assists with 21 in the campaign.
Young players are inconsistent, so having a player like Muller in the squad will help them to cope in big games. Flick has often insisted that Muller is a coach on the field, consistently giving directions to players on the pitch regarding movement and press. Low can definitely do with a player that can provide some sort of direction to the young team on the pitch. His work rate will also rub on the other players in the team.
Along with his experience and leadership qualities, Muller still has a lot of quality in him despite turning 31 in September. Every international team would be eager to have a player like Muller in the squad. Low’s resolve about young players is commendable, but bringing Muller back in the team will help his cause rather than hinder it.