Basler doubts the Wirtz‑Musiala combo despite Klopp’s plan
Mario Basler states in his podcast “Basler ballert” a provocative thesis: the simultaneous inclusion of Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala in the starting eleven of the German national team is “very difficult”. He bases this on the individual strengths of both attacking players and questions the sensibility of such a combination.
Klopp’s previous decisions
Jürgen Klopp deliberately refrained from sending Wirtz and Musiala onto the pitch together in his first stint as national team coach. Musiala was indeed called up to the initial squad, but had to withdraw due to a muscle fiber tear in his right thigh while warming up before the Nations League match against the Netherlands. The 23‑year‑old Musiala, an exceptional talent of FC Bayern Munich, therefore remained unused.
Florian Wirtz, originally slated for the second squad, already earned a cap for the DFB a match earlier. In the 2‑0 win over Serbia he impressed in the half‑fast half‑space and delivered further strong moments in the return leg in Greece, where he wore the captain’s armband.
Basler praises both players individually: “Of course they are both world‑class players.” Yet he stresses that they would not function as a world‑class duo together. “We can be glad that we have two super players. But having both together will certainly be very difficult,” he said in the podcast.
Klopp must choose: Wirtz in central role as Musiala’s injury looms
The former FC Bayern professional also criticises the positional issue: Musiala cannot play on the right, he is a pure central player. “Musiala on the wing does not help us,” Basler emphasized. At the same time he points out that Klopp prefers clear wing players on the flanks.
Basler sees a potential problem for Klopp if both players are fit and called up simultaneously: “There will inevitably be one or another little problem.” He suggests that in case one of the two gets injured, the other could step in, or one could be brought on from the bench.
In the upcoming international break in November, return matches against Serbia (13 Nov) and the Netherlands (16 Nov) are scheduled. Klopp is expected to assemble a reduced squad of about 24 to 26 players, in which – provided both are fit – both Musiala and Wirtz could be taken into account.