Flick's Germany are looking to the future by trying to move past an underwhelming generation

The most quoted line from Hansi Flick’s press conference to announce his Germany squad for the World Cup was undoubtedly the former Bayern Munich boss’ decision to drop Mats Hummels in favour of Armel Bella-Kotchap. Despite acknowledging the Borussia Dortmund star’s improved performances in the Bundesliga this season, Flick drew a line under the matter by stating that he simply had to “keep an eye on the future a bit”. 

The reaction to the head coach’s decision was predictable. Some pundits came to Hummels’ defence, arguing that he’d been unfairly thrown under the bus, while others argued that it was time for Germany to move on from the 33-year-old star. But in many ways, the clamour for the Dortmund defender missed the larger point: why was the only alternative to the ageing star a relatively inexperienced 20-year-old, playing for a Southampton side that will likely get relegated this season? 

Indeed, the squad Flick has taken to the World Cup is one of numerous compromises. However, rather than being a team that is weak in defence or shy in attack, it’s a side full of players that have either featured in too many World Cups or far too few. The middle ground, where a nation of the size and stature of Germany should have countless players approaching their peak, is suspiciously empty in Flick’s squad.