Creating an all-time Germany team was an intriguing task. The selection features a fascinating mix of individual technique, athleticism, and mental strength. It’s also noteworthy how many players aren’t confined to a single position but can seamlessly perform in various roles, making the formation dominant, unpredictable, and extremely dangerous.

GOALKEEPERS
While Kahn and Maier were exceptional goalkeepers, Neuer surpasses them with his superior quality and technical skills, which are crucial for a modern goalkeeper. Therefore, my choice is Neuer.

DEFENDERS
Beckenbauer could easily have played as a midfielder, but I want to place him in the role where he reached his peak and eternal fame: the sweeper. Franz would have excelled as a modern defender with his playmaking abilities and above-average tactical acumen. For full-backs, I opt for Lahm and Brehme, two players with midfield-quality feet, versatility, and flexibility (both can play on either flank or in midfield), innate tactical sense, and high football IQ. Next to Beckenbauer, a pure stopper fits well, and my choice is between Kohler and Förster. My vote goes to the latter.

MIDFIELDERS
This is an interesting and highly esteemed department. In front of the defense is Toni Kroos, a cornerstone for both the national team and Real Madrid for many years. Sammer would also have been a good option, but I consider Kroos superior. The midfielders are the left-footed Overath and Lothar Matthäus , two top-tier players: Overath, a playmaker with sublime geometries, fighting spirit, and good running abilities; Matthäus, one of the most complete midfielders in football history, excellent at everything with no weaknesses. As an attacking midfielder, I insisted on including Fritz Walter, one of the symbols of Germany’s 1954 World Cup-winning team.

FORWARDS
The attack was relatively easy to decide. Gerd Müller and Rummenigge are the best offensive players ever produced by German football and complement each other perfectly