Real Madrid News
Official: Antonio Rudiger named in Germany squad for FIFA World Cup 2022
Germany manager Hansi Flick has named his squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 and Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been included on the list for the tournament in Qatar.
The German international defender arrived at Real Madrid only this past summer and has settled in fairly well, although he is behind Eder Militao and David Alaba in the pecking order of things at the moment.
Furthermore, Rudiger is currently out with a groin discomfort, which led to him missing the last game against Rayo Vallecano, while he remains unavailable for tonight’s clash versus Cadiz at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite the fitness concerns, Flick has gone on to include Rudiger in the squad for the World Cup as Germany will look to reclaim the trophy that they last won in 2014.
Leading up to the competition, there had been speculations that Germany were trying to coax Toni Kroos out of retirement for the World Cup.
However, it seems like those attempts have been in vain as the Real Madrid veteran midfielder is not on the 26-man squad list.
DAS IST UNSER #WM-KADER! 🙌🇩🇪#GER #WM2022 @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/MBHXYGjQo5
— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) November 10, 2022
Youssoufa Moukoko of Borussia Dortmund, who is a target for Real Madrid, has also been called up to the World Cup by Flick despite the striker being just 17 years old.
Real Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona also have a representative in the Germany squad in the form of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
