Low has plenty of options
Over the past couple of seasons, Germany have become even more flexible, just as happy taking the initiative as launching their trademark blink-of-an-eye counter-thrusts. Once devoted to a rearguard quartet, coach Joachim Low now regularly alternates between a four and three-man module.
Whether going with a 4-2-3-1, 3-4-3 or 3-5-1-1, the basic principles remain the same: the high press, lightning-quick transitions, fluid passing, meticulously choreographed movement off the ball and ability to play in tight spots.
When all goes to plan – which it usually does – Low’s side is a precisionengineered machine. A keeper and central defenders who are extremely comfortable on the ball; full-backs/ wing-backs who shuttle up and down the flank all match long; wide midfielders always looking to cut inside; and a striker who loves to attack space.
Low has an all-star cast performing an Oscar-winning screenplay: Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan as the distribution sources; Sami Khedira, the ball-carrier; Mesut Ozil in the creative maverick role; Joshua Kimmich, the young pretender on the overlap; Leroy Sane and Timo Werner the speedsters.
Plan B will amount to the introduction of Sandro Wagner, who brings strength in the air and physical presence. Twin strikers could be an alternative back-up option.