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.
🇳🇱 Denzel Dumfries has been directly involved in 𝟭𝟵 goals for the Netherlands, more than any other Dutch defender this century. pic.twitter.com/Tpmufsfu7l
— Nerazzurri Society (@nerazzurriSoci_) June 10, 2024
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.
Ryan Gravenberch’s 2024/25 PL season by numbers:
89.5% pass accuracy
77.7% aerial duels won
42x possession won
15 tackles
12 interceptions
7 take-ons completedIs he the most in-form No. 6 right now? 🤔
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 14, 2024
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.
🧠 200 IQ from Florian Wirtz to set up Deniz Undav 🇩🇪#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/cMsQH3EDmf
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) October 13, 2024
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.
The third player to score 3+ goals at two different major tournaments for the Netherlands along with Johnny Rep and Dennis Bergkamp.
The first player to score AND assist in a Euros knockout round game for the Netherlands since Frank Rijkaard vs. Denmark in the Euro 1992… pic.twitter.com/LYBtRsb9Ei
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 2, 2024
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.
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