Jonathan Tah immediately established himself as a key player in his first season with FC Bayern. The center back is also highly regarded on the German national team. Now, teammate Nico Schlotterbeck has paid the Bayern star a remarkable tribute.
Jonathan Tah is now one of the undisputed leaders of the German national team. Since his move from Bayer Leverkusen to FC Bayern, the 29-year-old has further cemented his status and has become a central figure both in Munich and on the DFB squad.
Ahead of the World Cup opener against Curaçao, Nico Schlotterbeck has now made it clear just how important Tah has become for the German defense.
Together, Tah and Schlotterbeck are set to form the German national team’s center-back duo at the World Cup.
The Dortmund player appeared extremely confident at a press conference regarding the quality of the central defensive pairing. “I know that if we bring our skills to the field, we’re a very good duo. We don’t need to hide from any center-back duo in the world,” Schlotterbeck explained.
A statement that can also be taken as a huge compliment to his partner.
“Jona has taken a huge step forward.”
The BVB defender is particularly impressed by the Bayern pro’s development over the past few years.
“Jona has taken a huge step forward over the last three or four years,” Schlotterbeck emphasized.
This development was already evident during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. With his move to FC Bayern and a strong debut season, Tah has consistently continued on this path.
The center-back is now one of the most consistent defenders in Europe and has quickly established himself as an indispensable part of the Munich defense under Vincent Kompany.
Tah is the leader of the defense
Schlotterbeck’s comments on the internal division of roles within the national team were particularly interesting.
According to him, Tah takes on a clear leadership role on the field. “He’s the one who talks a bit more and coaches the players up front. I look to Jona. He really sets the pace,” explained the Dortmund player.
Schlotterbeck thus confirms the assessment of many observers that Tah is now one of the most important leaders on the DFB team.
National team coach Julian Nagelsmann also has complete confidence in the Bayern star’s qualities. Within the squad, Tah is one of the most experienced and influential players. Along with Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, and Antonio Rüdiger, he is one of the team’s leaders.
His experience, his composure on the ball, and his strong communication skills make him a key factor in the stability of the German defense.
Schlotterbeck’s comments also highlight how well the two center-backs are already working together. While Tah organizes and directs the defense, Schlotterbeck brings his dynamism and playmaking skills to the game.
The Bayern Munich pro himself has also recently praised his teammate’s skills on multiple occasions, particularly his strengths with the ball.
In any case, ahead of the World Cup, there appears to be a great deal of trust within the defensive duo. And that could very well become a decisive factor in the German national team’s success as the tournament progresses.