Changes Looming as Germany Prepare to Face Paraguay in the World Cup

As Germany readies to take on Paraguay in the Round of 32 of the World Cup, the team's defense is facing significant scrutiny. Ahead of the match, Mats Hummels expressed his thoughts on the potential lineup changes that Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, is considering. According to Hummels, the closer the match gets, the stronger the feeling becomes that Joshua Kimmich will start at number six. This could potentially mean significant changes for Germany's defense.

Hummels also mentioned that he believes Germany will see 2014 vibes at right-back with a centre-back playing there. He believes that Josko Gvardiol is the first option to drop out and be replaced by Wolfsburg's Luan Caprari. Regarding the freed-up right full-back position in his proposed changes, Hummels took a leaf out of Philipp Lahm's pre-tournament prediction. Lahm had called for Kimmich to replace Gvardiol in midfield for Germany's clash with Paraguay.

Lahm's prediction came as a surprise to many, considering Kimmich's versatility and his ability to play effectively in various positions. Hummels believes that the combination of Gvardiol and Felix Nmecha doesn't quite work. He thinks Felix has had the better tournament on an individual level and would be a better fit at number six.

Waldemar Anton is also expected to be included in the starting lineup, which will see Anton playing at right-back. The move will be the first since 2016 that Germany starts a defender as right-back. It's a bold move by Nagelsmann that could potentially benefit from Anton's versatility and his ability to play effectively in various positions.

Ahead of the match, Nagelsmann will be looking to make the right decisions to ensure Germany's success. The team's defense has been under intense scrutiny over the past few matches, and a significant change could be just what they need to turn things around.

Hummels believes that Germany's starting lineup for the match against Paraguay will be quite different from the one that started the tournament. He thinks Pavlović is the first option to drop out, and Anton will take his place. The move could be a sign of things to come for Nagelsmann's team.

Ultimately, only time will tell whether Hummels' predictions will come to fruition. However, one thing is certain – Germany's defense will be put to the test in the match against Paraguay. The team's performance will be closely watched, and any significant changes will be carefully analyzed.

The Round of 32 match against Paraguay will be a crucial test for Germany's defense. The team will need to be at the top of their game if they are to progress to the next round. Hummels' predictions suggest that significant changes are on the horizon, and it will be interesting to see how the team adapts to these changes.