In the northern European fixture that opens two new international chapters, Germany and the Netherlands meet tonight with Jürgen Klopp and Xavi Hernández both preparing for their first match in charge. The Nations League contest has drawn attention well beyond the usual regional rivalry, with each coach beginning a long international break containing four fixtures.
A first Germany selection under Klopp
Klopp has named a wide 44-man group for the four Nations League matches, but his opening XI against the Dutch is beginning to take shape. Marc-André ter Stegen is expected to start in goal and is regarded as Klopp’s clear first-choice goalkeeper.
Two Barcelona-linked players could be involved from the outset. Ter Stegen, currently on loan, is set to take the gloves, while new Barcelona signing Karim Adeyemi is likely to occupy the right side of the attack.
- Marc-André ter Stegen is expected to begin as goalkeeper.
- Joshua Kimmich will wear the captain’s armband and return to midfield.
- Felix Nmecha is likely to partner Kimmich in the centre.
- Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah are expected to form the central-defensive pairing.
- Nathaniel Brown is tipped for the left flank, with Philipp Treu on the right.
Kimmich’s return to midfield
The match is also likely to bring a positional reset for Kimmich. During Julian Nagelsmann’s previous spell in charge, the Germany captain had been used at right-back, but Klopp is expected to restore him to his preferred central role.
That move opens a place on the right of the back line for Treu, while Brown is projected to operate on the opposite side. Schlotterbeck and Tah would provide the central foundation in front of Ter Stegen.
Havertz leads a reshaped attack
Klopp’s likely forward line combines established international names with one notable selection. Kai Havertz is expected to play as the central striker, supported by Jamal Musiala in an advanced midfield position.
- Kai Havertz is expected to lead the line.
- Jamal Musiala should play behind him as the attacking midfielder.
- Kevin Schade of Brentford is in line to start from the left.
- Karim Adeyemi is expected to attack from the right.
Schade’s projected inclusion on the left is the surprise within the attacking unit. Alongside Adeyemi, Havertz and Musiala, he could give Klopp an immediate look at a new blend of speed and movement.
A debut night on both benches
The meeting is more than another Nations League assignment between old northern European opponents. Xavi also begins his Netherlands tenure in the opposing technical area, giving the evening the unusual shape of a duel between two debuting national-team coaches.
For Klopp, the result and the first selection decisions will set the tone for a four-match international window. For Xavi, the Netherlands begin their own new cycle against a Germany side already being reshaped in personnel and positions.
