Match awards from Germany’s 2-2 tie in their friendly with Argentina

Jersey Swap: Lucas Alario

What a difference he made for Argentina! Only four minutes after he was substituted on for Paulo Dybala, he scored and suddenly brought Argentina back into the game after they went down 2-0 early on. Alario continually gave the German defense fits in the later parts of the game and then tied the game up with a great assist to Lucas Ocampos. He has shown himself to be as a legitimate (re)building piece for this Argentinian side.

Tip of the Cap: Kai Havertz

Congratulations Kai Havertz on your first senior goal for Germany! Havertz’s presence was well felt in Germany’s dominant first half vs Argentina. He consistently made creative runs and completed several key passes to drive the attack, giving the Argentine defense fits for most of the first half. For someone only 20 years old, Havertz has all the makings of being a future star for Die Mannschaft, not to mention the fact that his partnership with Gnabry is only growing stronger.

Golf Clap: Joshua Kimmich

In his first start as captain, Kimmich was everywhere. Whether it was making crucial interceptions or lofting beautiful little balls and creating attacking chances, Kimmich showed yet again why he was not only named captain but also is making a legitimate claim to be the full-time captain once Neuer retires. While Kimmich may still play at right-back, given that the position remains a question mark for Germany, he is also establishing himself as a first-choice CDM for Germany.

Standing Ovation: Lukas Klostermann

Lukas is making a major claim to being one of the first names on Jogi Löw’s starting XI. Before Germany made several changes that altered the face of the team, Klostermann was an absolute terror going forward and making the Argentine defense pay. His partnership with Havertz and Gnabry in attack was outstanding. He further solidified his great performance with an absolutely stunning free kick that was mere inches from going into the back of the net. Not to mention the fact that his defense was solid as ever. Klostermann looks like a very good piece for Germany to build around.

Meister of the Match: Serge Gnabry

The man is on FIRE. 10 goals in his first 11 matches for Die Mannshaft is yet another crazy statistic showing one thing and one thing only: Serge Gnabry is here and is here to stay. Gnabry’s goal was a beautiful flick past the outstretched arms of the keeper. He also assisted Havertz for his own first senior goal. The second Gnabry was taken off the pitch in anticipation of Germany’s important Euro qualifier vs Estonia, Germany’s attack fell flat. Gnabry is an essential cog in this team if Germany will be successful going forward.