PLAYER RATINGS | Germany 0-1 Hungary – Timo Werner and Serge Gnabry disappoint | OneFootball

Germany drop to third in their UEFA Nations League group following a 1-0 defeat against Hungary, who now only need a point against Italy to reach the finals. After 14 games in charge, it’s Hansi Flick’s first defeat since taking over from Joachim Löw in May 2021.

Die Mannschaft found themselves 1-0 down inside 20 minutes after former Mainz forward Ádám Szalai ran across Thomas Müller at the near post to poke the ball in from a corner.

Timo Werner, Thomas Müller and Serge Gnabry made up for 3/4 of Germany’s attack but in truth, the trio were poor. Static, disjointed and lacking creativity in the final third, Germany struggled but did improve towards the end.

How the Germans fared

Marc-André ter Stegen, 7 – Had an opportunity to impress in the absence of Manuel Neuer, who tested positive for Covid-19 and is isolating. Kept Germany in the game after denying László Kleinheisler late on. The Barcelona ‘keeper kept the scores down.

Jonas Hofmann, 6 – Has been excellent for Borussia Mönchengladbach this season and although primarily an attacking player, Hofmann is versatile but at right-back, no more than a stop-gap and is unable to make an impact on the game. Can be one of Germany’s unsung heroes, but has to play further forward.

Niklas Süle, 6 – 145 touches, 5 tackles and 2 blocks against Hungary. The Borussia Dortmund defender is arguably Germany’s best defender at the moment. Who is plays alongside at the World Cup though is open. Called into action several times and put in a confident performance.

Antonio Rudiger, 5

David Raum 7 – An assured performance. Probably nailed on for a starting XI spot in Flick’s World Cup squad. Could improve defensively but a threat going forward.

Joshua Kimmich, 6 – Captained the team in Neuer’s absence and Thomas Müller’s substitution. Carried his Bayern Munich form over to the national team and performed well alongside Ilkay Gündogan. Had much more of an impact on the game when playing further forward.

Ilkay Gündogan, 7

Serge Gnabry, 4 – Short on confidence. Poor against Hungary and a starting XI spot at the World Cup is in jeopardy. His Bayern teammate Leroy Sané outperforming the 27-year-old.

Thomas Müller, 5 – Captained the team tonight in Neuer’s absence but a largely poor performance. At fault for Hungary’s goal, standing on the near post and not tracking Szalai. One of Flick’s best players at Bayern during their time together but failed to make an impact.

Leroy Sané, 6 – Germany’s best attacking player on the night. Dangerous as a #10 and playing through the middle, running at defences. Always looked to make something happen and worked hard defensively.

Timo Werner, 4 – Flick has hinted that he could call-up a classic No. 9 for the World Cup and if that’s the case, fear for Werner’s spot in the starting XI. Poor tonight. Little movement or interest.

Others

Thilo Kehrer, 7 – Germany performed better with Kehrer on the pitch at right-back, which allowed Hofmann to play further forward. His experience at centre-back also allowed Flick to switch to a back three. Something that he’ll likely test against England on Monday.

Lukas Nmecha: N/A