DFB ratings – Three newcomers impress, one player gets a five
The DFB ratings show that three newcomers to the German national team impressed, while another was penalised with a grade of five – a contrast between the good first half against Greece and the disappointing end of the match, highlighting the differing assessment of individual players. The topic is the evaluation of the individual players.
In Thessaloniki, Germany faced Greece. The first half was convincing, but in the second half the team faded, as there was little momentum from the bench. Benjamin Zurmühl reported from the city that the Greek defence remained steadfast.
The match ended 0-0 because the only possible goal by Jonathan Burkardt was not awarded due to a handball by Tom Bischof. The Greek defence therefore kept the score. The result leaves progression in the Nations League still open. They held the result.
Stand-in captain Florian Wirtz told RTL: “We built up quite a lot of pressure, but we didn’t score that damn goal. That’s frustrating.” He added that the team had only been together for a week and “it’s really not all bad.”
Newcomers shine at the Toumba Stadium
Wirtz, the great playmaker Derry Scherhant and other DFB stars repeatedly combined at PAOK Saloniki’s Toumba Stadium close to goal‑scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, in the final act the accuracy in passing and finishing was lacking. The Liverpool professional, who stood alongside Jürgen Klopp, entered the field as captain.
In goal, coach Jürgen Klopp could again rely on Jonas Urbig. The Bayern goalkeeper performed a huge feat when he parried a header from Georgios Masouras and denied the best Greek chance with a good reflex. The performances of Scherhant and Urbig were reflected in the t‑online ratings.
Despite the positive impressions, not all newcomers were equally strong. Another player fell off noticeably and received a grade of five, as the t‑online rating showed. Who exactly is affected remains hidden in the photo gallery.
Klopp remains satisfied despite missed victory
National team coach Jürgen Klopp said after the match that he was “very satisfied” and praised the squad: “The boys produced an incredible football match that was top in every aspect, really top.” He emphasized that he was “very impressed with the team and the way we did it” and that it surprised him more than disappointed him.
The experimental phase is now over, Klopp explained. For the Nations League matches in November – against Serbia in Belgrade on 13 Nov and against the Netherlands in Berlin on 16 Nov – he is planning a highly compressed squad. His XXL casting with two squads and 44 nominees is to remain a one‑off before the regular places are decided.