In the middle of their reputed problem zone, World Champions Germany are lucky to have two key players at their disposal. In Jérôme Boateng and Mats Hummels, manager Joachim Löw can trust that he has two of the world's best centre backs in his side, who, along with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, form a so-called 'magical defensive triangle'.
"Jérôme and Mats are the definition of world-class defenders," said Löw ahead of the European Championship qualifier in Scotland. He didn't cease to sing the praises of his duo, "Both players are incredibly good at breaking up counter attacks and setting us up going forwards. They're playing at an incredibly high level, both at the back and going forward."
The 27-year-old Boateng and his centre-back partner, who is three months younger, offer stability in matches where Germany's emphasis is on attack. Not only that, they act as leaders and bring some consistency in a defence that has seen many different full backs who have lacked experience or who play primarily in other positions.
Only one goal conceded in the World Cup knockout stages
Boateng and Hummels have not only helped to cushion the blow of Per Mertesacker's retirement, they were also indispensible during Germany's run to winning the World Cup.
The pair only conceded one goal in the 300 minutes that they played together in the World Cup knockout stages, which came when they were already 7-0 up against Brazil. Given that the team only managed one goal in both of the other two games, such an impeccable defensive record was a prerequisite for a run to the trophy. In addition, Hummels scored the winner in the 1-0 win against France, whilst Boateng stood out alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger as Germany's outstanding performer.
"It was probably the performance of my life," said the Bayern defender after the final whistle. His greatest attribute is his consistency, but he was very unlucky to be caught out when Lionel Messi scored against Bayern in their Champions League semi-final clash, a goal which went on to be named UEFA's Goal of the Season.
Hummels: "Tuchel has brought me back to my old level"
Mats Hummels had, as nearly all Dortmund players did, a rough first half of the season in 2014. He was very self-critical of himself when speaking to kicker. "That first half of the season was probably the worst I’ve played in my life," he said of his form. He also said that his physical condition was a "catastrophe weight-wise."
In the second half of the season he looked a lot better, and has made a fresh start under new Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel. "Tuchel criticised a lot of what I did last season, particularly in the tactical area. He showed me many situations and examples of this on video. Between us, we have been able to replicate my good form of a few years ago," said Hummels.
In the middle of their reputed problem zone, World Champions Germany are lucky to have two key players at their disposal. In Jérôme Boateng and Mats Hummels, manager Joachim Löw can trust that he has two of the world's best centre backs in his side, who, along with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, form a so-called 'magical defensive triangle'.
"Jérôme and Mats are the definition of world-class defenders," said Löw ahead of the European Championship qualifier in Scotland. He didn't cease to sing the praises of his duo, "Both players are incredibly good at breaking up counter attacks and setting us up going forwards. They're playing at an incredibly high level, both at the back and going forward."
The 27-year-old Boateng and his centre-back partner, who is three months younger, offer stability in matches where Germany's emphasis is on attack. Not only that, they act as leaders and bring some consistency in a defence that has seen many different full backs who have lacked experience or who play primarily in other positions.
Only one goal conceded in the World Cup knockout stages
Boateng and Hummels have not only helped to cushion the blow of Per Mertesacker's retirement, they were also indispensible during Germany's run to winning the World Cup.
The pair only conceded one goal in the 300 minutes that they played together in the World Cup knockout stages, which came when they were already 7-0 up against Brazil. Given that the team only managed one goal in both of the other two games, such an impeccable defensive record was a prerequisite for a run to the trophy. In addition, Hummels scored the winner in the 1-0 win against France, whilst Boateng stood out alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger as Germany's outstanding performer.
"It was probably the performance of my life," said the Bayern defender after the final whistle. His greatest attribute is his consistency, but he was very unlucky to be caught out when Lionel Messi scored against Bayern in their Champions League semi-final clash, a goal which went on to be named UEFA's Goal of the Season.
Hummels: "Tuchel has brought me back to my old level"
Mats Hummels had, as nearly all Dortmund players did, a rough first half of the season in 2014. He was very self-critical of himself when speaking to kicker. "That first half of the season was probably the worst I’ve played in my life," he said of his form. He also said that his physical condition was a "catastrophe weight-wise."
In the second half of the season he looked a lot better, and has made a fresh start under new Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel. "Tuchel criticised a lot of what I did last season, particularly in the tactical area. He showed me many situations and examples of this on video. Between us, we have been able to replicate my good form of a few years ago," said Hummels.
Neuer: "As a goalkeeper, you can rely on Jerome Boateng"
Bayern letting Hummels go was one of the biggest personnel mistakes in the last few years, but they have now had the services of Boateng for five years, which is some consolation.
Neuer is full of praise for the centre back, who plays every game in front of the goalkeeper. "As a goalkeeper, you can rely on Jerome Boateng," said World Cup winner Neuer. "He has everything. He is tall, fast, good in the air and has physical strength second to none. He plays great passes into midfield and to the final third, making him very useful to us, and a thorn in the backside of our opponents."
