We are once again back for another match in the Nations League between Germany and Hungary. Germany, after losing Toni Kroos to retirement, are looking for a new general in the midfield to lead them. Could it be Musiala? Or will Kimmich step up for the role? Hungary, on the other hand, already has that position covered with Dominik Szoboszlai. The Liverpool midfielder is already wearing the captain's armband at only 23 years old. Will he lead Hungary to an upset in their first match?
Nagelsmann and his German squad have lost Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Ilkay Gündogan, on top of the loss of Kroos, making room for some younger players to show their ability. However, this loss of leadership may not hurt Germany as much as one might think, given their incredible depth. Ter Stegen will replace Neuer in goal, and with Wirtz and Musiala in midfield, Germany has plenty of talent. With the versatile 29-year-old Kimmich holding the left-back position, there's no doubt Germany can still be dominant. Also, with Havertz, who is in good form for Arsenal with 2 goals and 1 assist in three games, Germany has the firepower to win.
After being knocked out of their group in the Euros with only one win against Scotland, Hungary is looking to redeem themselves and secure a ticket to the knockouts. Dominik Szoboszlai can be the key to breaking through Germany's defense. The Liverpool midfielder has shown great prowess on the ball, and his technical ability is world-class. With a striker like Barnabás Varga up front, Hungary has the potential to score against Ter Stegen. Varga, who had 20 goals and 6 assists in 24 games for his Hungarian side Ferencváros last season, is a real threat in front of goal.
Attila Fiola, László Kleinheisler, Ádám Lang, Callum Styles, and Attila Szalai have all been dropped after the Euros by Marco Rossi, so we will see a revamped Hungary side this time around. For Germany, their star defender Rüdiger is resting, and Leroy Sané is also out of team selection.
This will be a win for Germany in my opinion, but Hungary’s gritty playstyle should not be underestimated. With Germany having conceded in their last 15 UEFA Nations League matches in a row, we might see this stat go to 16. My prediction: a 2-1 win for Germany.
Germany XI (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Mittelstadt; Pavlovic, Gross; Musiala, Wirtz, Fuhrich; Havertz
Hungary XI (3-4-2-1): Gulacsi; Botka, Orban, Dardai; Bolla, Nagy, Schafer, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Sallai; Varga
