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In a recent interview with Eurosport (via FourFourTwo and tz), Matthias Sammer spoke with effusive praise about Joshua Kimmich and summer-signing Sebastian Rudy. Bayern Munich’s former sporting director sees both Kimmich and Rudy as potential key players for both Bayern Munich and the German national team.
Kimmich the leader
Sammer sees Kimmich destined for greatness: “I am sure that he will play a big role in German football,” Sammer told Eurosport. “In my opinion he will be the leader.”
Sammer continued:
He brings characteristics that are very special in the offense as well as in the defense. The way he presents himself and what he says – and he does that with no aggression at all – Joshua has that in his nature. And that is just beautiful.
Kimmich has been a mainstay in Jogi Löw’s first team since his breakthrough in Euro 2016, and now that Phillip Lahm’s retirement has left a void at the right-back position for Bayern, Kimmich has the opportunity to have the kind of impact at club level that he has already displayed for Germany.
Rudy the new Brazzo
Another Bayern player who made his mark at last summer’s Confederations Cup was Sebastian Rudy and the former Hoffenheim midfielder has hit the ground running this season at Bayern. Matthias Sammer spoke very highly of Rudy’s qualities:
He has incredible clarity in his game, combined with a high football IQ. On top of that come his joy in playing, his control of the ball, and his tenacity in duels. These are extraordinary skills that Sebastian Rudy possesses. And he structures and holds the position of defensive midfielder so clearly. If he can bring consistency to his performances, he can be a stabilizing factor, not only for Bayern Munich, but also for the national team.
Sammer went on to compare Rudy to none other than his successor as sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic: although different kinds of player, they both command respect for their style of play. “I can imagine Rudy becoming the new Brazzo with Bayern Munich,” Sammer concluded.