Oliver Kahn & Michael Ballack Weigh In on Joshua Kimmich Debate

Former national team captains Oliver Kahn and Michael Ballack have critically assessed the current discussion surrounding Joshua Kimmich. The DFB captain did not entirely emerge unscathed.

"Klopp has delegated him out a bit for these two games to see how the group functions without him," Ballack stated on Sunday, referring to the Bayern star who was unexpectedly left out of national coach Jürgen Klopp's squad for two matches.

"This doesn't weaken him," Ballack emphasized during the pre-match coverage for the Nations League rematch in Greece. "And I don't see anyone who could replace him at the moment."

Klopp is testing his options. "He's pursuing two avenues, and I find that completely acceptable." Consequently, the discussion "is not happening at the right time."

Kahn also views DFB captain Kimmich as a crucial player for the national team. However, after a change in national coach, everyone must prove themselves anew. "Everyone needs to feel that they have to earn their status."

Kahn believes Kimmich is in a difficult position because he "has had the misfortune of playing in national teams that were not particularly successful. For a leadership figure like Joshua, it's important for others to look up to him. And for that, he lacks these successes. This makes his task particularly difficult. One has to ask: Is this the optimal solution?"

Is Kimmich World-Class as a Defensive Midfielder, Michael Ballack?

Ballack also doesn't consider Kimmich beyond reproach. The 50-year-old avoided directly answering whether he considers Kimmich world-class in the defensive midfield role. He explained that he rates the 31-year-old stronger as a right-back, "with all his qualities; he developed that way. To me, he was world-class there."

Lothar Matthäus believes Kimmich is "of course a starter if he performs." However, if another player performs better in the captain's defensive midfield position, the record international stated, "Kimmich will have a hard time." Against Serbia (2-0), Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof impressed.

Klopp has so far downplayed the discussion about whether Kimmich is still needed. He dodged relevant questions during his press conference on Saturday. "I give up. Do what you want," he said.