Most predictions in Germany and abroad point towards one of two systems: a 4-3-3, the structure Klopp used so successfully for many years at Liverpool, or a 4-2-3-1 with Jamal Musiala operating behind Kai Havertz. Regardless of the exact shape, several players already appear to have a strong chance of starting.
Ter Stegen set to be trusted from the start
There appears to be little doubt over the goalkeeper. Marc-André ter Stegen is expected to take over as Germany’s new number one following Manuel Neuer’s latest retirement from international football and should start in Amsterdam.
The centre of defence is also likely to be built around familiar faces. Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck are the leading candidates to form the central defensive partnership. Both bring substantial international experience and were already established figures within the national-team setup before Klopp’s appointment. Given the limited preparation time ahead of his first match, there is little reason for Klopp to experiment heavily in such a sensitive area of the team.
Nathaniel Brown currently has the best chance of starting at left-back. The situation on the right is more open. Philipp Treu has attracted attention with a strong start to the season at Freiburg and could make his international debut immediately. Josha Vagnoman, whose athleticism and forward running offer a different profile, remains the most obvious alternative. Several German reports currently have Treu slightly ahead.
Kimmich returns to midfield
One of Klopp’s key decisions has already been made: Joshua Kimmich is expected to return permanently to central midfield. For the time being, that should end the period in which the Germany captain repeatedly had to operate at right-back.
The main question is how Klopp builds the midfield around him. In a traditional 4-3-3, Anton Stach would be a logical choice as the deepest midfielder. The Leeds player could provide physical presence and defensive cover, allowing Kimmich and Felix Nmecha to operate slightly higher up the pitch.
If Klopp instead opts for a 4-2-3-1, Kimmich and Nmecha could form the double pivot, with Musiala moving into his preferred role behind the centre-forward. Musiala’s individual quality makes him almost impossible to leave out, and after recent fitness issues he now appears ready to start again.
Havertz expected to lead the line
Kai Havertz currently looks to be the favourite for the central attacking role. The Arsenal forward is the most experienced option in Klopp’s first squad and, stylistically, he fits the coach’s ideas well. His movement, work rate and ability to create space for those around him make him an obvious candidate to lead the line.
Competition is greater on the wings. Karim Adeyemi was brought into the squad after Lennart Karl’s workload had to be managed and has immediately emerged as one of the strongest candidates for a starting place after an excellent start to the season with Barcelona. His pace and runs in behind the defensive line would suit Klopp’s vertical attacking approach particularly well.
Musiala, Kevin Schade, Serge Gnabry and Chris Führich are among the options for the other flank. If Musiala is used centrally, Schade would have a strong chance of starting out wide. Gnabry, meanwhile, may be more likely to feature from the bench after his recent injury lay-off.
Klopp’s most likely first XI
Based on the information available so far, a 4-3-3 currently appears to be the slightly more likely option:
Marc-André ter Stegen – Philipp Treu, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown – Anton Stach, Joshua Kimmich, Felix Nmecha – Karim Adeyemi, Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala.
Musiala remains the biggest tactical variable. If Klopp moves him into a central attacking role, Germany could instead line up in a 4-2-3-1, with Schade starting on the wing. Vagnoman also remains a realistic option at right-back.
The core of Klopp’s first Germany team nevertheless appears relatively clear: ter Stegen in goal, Tah and Schlotterbeck at centre-back, Kimmich in midfield, with Musiala and Havertz expected to play major roles in attack.
