Here is Jürgen Klopp’s first line-up as Germany coach for the Nations League opener against the Netherlands.
Jürgen Klopp and Xavi are set to lock horns as they make international football debuts with Germany’s trip to neighbours Netherlands on Thursday. The fierce rivals have met four times in previous Nations League editions, with both teams winning a game each.
Klopp dropped Bambasé Conté from the matchday squad as the Hoffenheim winger could be recalled for the home game against Greece before Germany’s second squad takes over for the last two games of this international break. Meanwhile, Marc-André ter Stegen starts in goal as he finally became Germany’s number one at the age of 34.
SC Freiburg’s versatile defender Philipp Treu will be making his debut, while Karim Adeyemi and Kevin Schade are included in Klopp’s first starting XI after missing out on the World Cup. Including Younis Ebnoutalib, five players could make their first appearance for Germany from the bench.
With mixed reactions from Dutch media, Borussia Dortmund’s new midfielder Joey Veerman starts on the bench, while ex-Bundesliga players Mickey van de Ven, Ryan Gravenberch and Bryan Brobbey all make Xavi’s first XI. Xavi Simons, Donyell Malen and Matthijs de Ligt are all unavailable for the Netherlands due to injuries.
Confirmed Netherlands vs. Germany Lineups
Netherlands: Bridge; Dumfries, van Hecke, van Dijk ©, van de Ven; Gravenberch, Q. Timber; Reijnders; Summerville, Brobbey, Gakpo
Germany: ter Stegen; Treu, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Kimmich ©, Nmecha, Musiala; It’s a shame, Havertz, Adeyemi