I think Hummels is still way underestimated. Critics often complain about his high passes to the front, because Joachim Löw clearly does not want them. But today (in the German championship game) he showed again, that this strategy works very well. The second goal against Nürnberg was 90% Hummels achievement.

He is a great defender and should be on the German national team for sure.

And (here is the girl comment – even though I’m a sports journalist) – He’s just gorgeous and therefore he should be on TV more often! ;-)

reklamedame

Cassano had a field day playing between the lines with both defenders failing to step up and check him. Hummels unfortunately was snubbed again and came on in the second half.

Hopefully Loew realizes this sooner rather than later.

If you watch Dortmund, keep an eye on the halfway line. You should spot Hummels there sooner or later. :D

Pique is constantly compared to the libero of old and for the right reasons.

I still shake my head when I think back to the day they made his loan at Dortmund permanent. I always thought that was one of the biggest mistakes Bayern made. At that point they could have used a versatile player like him. I have a feeling that things will come full circle though and he’ll be back, unless Uli. and Co. are too stubborn to admit their mistake.

As for his potential partner for the NT, I think either Boateng or Hoewedes would compliment him well. They have the experience they shared at the youth level and Hummels is best buddies with Hoewedes. Until Loew trusts them enough for that Friedrich is a good stop gap. Lahm is a no brainer and at LB it will probably be an alternation between Schmelzer and Boateng, both of whom are good enough to get the job done.

The real change I think has to happen in Podolski’s position. Despite his great record with the NT I don’t think he quite fits the system and the upcoming group of young players.

Enthusiasm clouded the analysis for a second there.

It can be described less hyperbolically (that is, with less essentialism). . . he is a great player.

As a Bayern fan, I can’t help but shake my head – Breno has been a disappointment, and has been riding the bench more often than not, with a NON-DEFENDER starting in his place. Oy vey. That said, Hummels-Subotic and the whole of Dortmund is a delight to watch, so I can’t be too cranky about it.

Who do you envision linking up with Hummels in Germany’s defense? He’s certainly a good start, but there are three other elements to the puzzle! Lahm is a no-brainer – what an excellent fullback, it would be nice to see him complemented by excellent center backs. At CB… I don’t know if I’d say Friedrich is really over the hill yet. He’s single-handedly tightened up Wolfsburg’s defense immediately after returning from injury. I think a Friedrich-Hummels pairing could work quite well. Badstuber, maybe? Seems an awful young duo to rest the national team on. As for LB, I think Schmelzer seems a shoo-in if he continues to put in good performances on the bigger stage, and he obviously already works well with Hummels. I’m curious to hear your thoughts though.