by In recent years, BVB would try to become “Borussia Deutschland” through targeted transfers of current or future players from the DFB selection, thus improving their position. However, almost seven months before the start of the home European Championships, Dortmund’s national team project was not welcomed by the national team coach.
Julian Nagelsmann has named five BVB stars for the upcoming tests against Turkey and Austria, of which only four have made it to the DFB entourage following the cancellation of Felix Nmecha due to injury: Mats Hummels, Niklas Süle, Julian Brandt and Niclas Füllkrug.
In addition to Nmecha, six other German Borussia professionals with international experience were missing from the DFB squad, partly due to injuries, but also partly for fitness reasons.
A closer look at the eleven candidates reveals that the yellow and black plan has so far worked little.
Mats Hummels (34, defence, 77 international matches): The veteran with an on-and-off relationship with the DFB enjoys the trust of Julian Nagelsmann and a place in the national team for the home European Championship is within reach. If he stays fit, Hummels’ chances in the starting eleven aren’t bad either.
Nico Schlotterbeck (23, defense, eleven international matches): Too unstable. The lack of concentration at the club has cost the left-hander, who has so far failed to impress even in a DFB uniform, his nomination for the second time in a row. Schlotterbeck will probably soon be able to book a holiday for the summer of the European Championships.
Niklas Süle (28, defense, 49 international matches): Nagelsmann knows the mercurial defensive giant well from their time together at Hoffenheim and Munich. At BVB, however, Süle has recently shuttled between the starting lineup and the bench. If he were to make the Euros squad, he would probably make it as an emergency reserve for the winger.
Marius Wolf (28, defense, five international matches): The all-rounder only made his Serie A debut in March. Despite all efforts, its tactical and technical weaknesses are evident. Even Edin Terzic hasn’t relied much on the weak Lupo in recent matches. It’s hard to imagine Nagelsmann changing course immediately after giving up twice.
Emre Can (29, midfield, 43 international games): His time as a reserve player for the national team came to an end in the spring when, after a highlight series in Dortmund, he was suddenly included in the starting eleven of the DFB team. After parting ways with national coach Hansi Flick, Can is missing an important defender. The fact that he is now missing his second consecutive international match due to injury does not help his hopes of winning the European Championship. But even if he were to be nominated for the home tournament, he would probably only do so as a reserve.
Felix Nmecha (23, midfield, one international match): His surprisingly expensive move to Dortmund was met with a lot of skepticism in fan circles. Despite some positive points, Nmecha has not yet managed to completely convince skeptics. Nagelsmann still wanted to test him in the DFB team, but then hip problems intervened. Will it finally be enough for the European Championships? Quite questionable.
Julian Brandt (27, midfield, 45 international matches): One of BVB’s few relatively consistent players, he has already registered six goals and five assists in 16 appearances this season. Brandt will almost certainly be part of the German team at the European Championships in his country, but a permanent place is not in sight.
Marco Reus (34, midfield/attack, 48 games for the national team): The BVB veteran recently stressed in an interview that he is not finished with the national team yet. However, his last mission occurred two years ago. Reus’ performances in recent weeks have been solid: nothing more, nothing less. Nagelsmann will probably rely on younger players at the European Championships.
Karim Adeyemi (21, attack, four internationals): Borussia’s most problematic child. Adeyemi has completely lost his brilliant form of the last second half of the season and is now just a noble wildcard under Terzic. His results in 2023/2024: 13 appearances, zero goals, two assists. The fact that according to a report he did not want to go to the German Under 21s fits into an increasingly sloppy picture. Nagelsmann is said to be angry about this and his chances at the European Championships are diminishing rapidly.
Niclas Füllkrug (30, attack, eleven international matches): Due to the lack of competition, the BVB newcomer is in the national team and his share has been good so far. However, the nine-man still struggles with adjustment issues with his new employer. However, Füllkrug has the best prospects of a permanent place at the European Championships among all the German Dortmund professionals.
Youssoufa Moukoko (18, attack, two internationals): The enthusiasm around the young man has calmed down a bit; Moukoko is now back in the German Under-21 team after his surprising participation in the World Cup in Qatar. For BVB the striker is only the second or third choice and the next development step has been a long time coming. He will probably still spend some time before the next test in the senior national team.
In total, only three DFB Giallorossi candidates (Hummels, Brandt, Füllkrug) have a ticket to the European Championships in sight, the others are trembling or have almost no chance. At the moment, BVB’s plan for a “Germania Borussia” doesn’t seem to be working.
Heiko Lütkehus
