Germany vs Netherlands – Nations League Combined XI | OneFootball

Germany host the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League on Monday evening, in one of international football’s great rivalries.

Both teams are aiming to reach the Nations League finals and currently sit first and second in the group ahead of their clash in Munich.

There’s intrigue around the contest with influential names missing on both sides and ahead of the game we’ve picked our Combined XI from the players available.

Germany vs the Netherlands – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: Alexander Nübel – Germany

Alexander Nübel was handed a long-awaited debut for Germany this month, with German goalkeepers having had to be patient due to the presence of Manuel Neuer and Marc Andre ter Stegen.

Neuer’s retirement and Ter Stegen’s season-ending injury have handed Nübel a chance, following a fine season on loan at Stuttgart in 2023/24. He helped Stuttgart to UCL qualification last term and remains viewed as Bayern Munich’s successor to Neuer at club level.

Right-back: Denzel Dumfries – Netherlands

A real favourite for the Oranje, even as his club position at Inter Milan has come under threat. Dumfries’ dynamism for the Dutch has helped him keep Jeremie Frimpong out of the team with the former a blend of speed and strength down the flank.

He’s scored in each of the Netherlands’ last two fixtures and now has eight goals in 61 caps from right-back.

Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger – Germany

The leader of the German backline and regarded as one of world football’s best centre-backs. Rudiger was colossal at Chelsea where he won the Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League among his honours, before taking his game up a level after signing for Real Madrid in 2022. Integral to Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga double in 2023/24.

Centre-back: Jonathan Tah – Germany

Jonathan Tah has cemented a role alongside Rudiger for the national team, a pairing of power and presence for Germany. Tah was part of the Bayer Leverkusen team that won a German league and cup double in 2023/24, completing the entire Bundesliga campaign without defeat. Out of contract next summer, there will be a queue of clubs at the door.

Left-back: Micky van de Ven – Netherlands

Micky van de Ven is likely to line up at left-back for the Netherlands this evening, shifted slightly out of position due to injury. The Dutch defender has been a big hit since signing for Spurs in the Premier League, where his electric recovery speed and power have suited the demands of the division perfectly.

Midfield: Joshua Kimmich – Germany

The German general and captain of the side, Kimmich’s role is rarely consistent but his influence is. Last season, he ranked in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for attempted passes, progressive passes, shot-creating actions, and carries. Still just 29, he’s approaching a century of caps for the national team.

Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch – Netherlands

A revelation in a red shirt this season, Gravenberch has gone from after-thought to irreplaceable for Arne Slot at Liverpool. The club’s failure to sign a defensive midfielder has handed the 22-year-old a chance he has taken, with Gravenberch beginning to fulfil the potential that has long been hyped.

Midfield: Florian Wirtz – Germany

Alongside Jamal Musiala, the jewel in the German crown. Winner of the Bundesliga Player of the Season award last season after leading Leverkusen to the title without losing a game, Wirtz ended the season with 38 goal involvements in 49 games.

The 21-year-old has picked up where he left off with six goals in 10 appearances, including a brace on his Champions League debut.

Right-wing: Xavi Simons – Netherlands

Xavi Simons joins Wirtz as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest attackers, having begun his second straight season on loan at RB Leipzig. Simons scored 10 goals and created 15 more last season to earn inclusion in the Bundesliga Team of the Year. Oddly, Paris Saint-Germain are still struggling to find a place for him.

Left-wing: Cody Gakpo – Netherlands

The man for the big occasion for the Netherlands, Cody Gakpo has delivered for the Dutch in major tournaments. After a breakout World Cup in 2022, the Liverpool winger shared the Golden Boot at this summer’s European Championship as the Oranje reached the last four.

Alongside Johnny Rep and Dennis Bergkamp, he’s one of just three players to score 3+ goals at two different major tournaments for the Netherlands.

Forward: Deniz Undav – Germany

Deniz Undav is hoping to seal a regular role as Germany’s number nine, having ignited his career with a transfer to the Bundesliga. The 28-year-old has scored 22 goals in 36 Bundesliga appearances for Stuttgart, helping the side to Champions League qualification.

He’s started his international career promisingly too, with three goals in five games for Germany. Undav scored in the 2-1 win in Bosnia on Friday night.

Read – Germany vs Netherlands – Match preview and team news

See more – Belgium vs France – Match preview and team news

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