Joshua Kimmich is the versatile, veteran leader of Germany

Joshua Kimmich remains one of the most intelligent and influential midfielders in the game. Though, as of now it looks like the veteran will be lining up at right back for Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann. As the tactical anchor for Bayern Munich, Kimmich pulls the strings for Bayern Munich’s vaunted attack as he continues to dictate matches through tempo control, precise distribution, and leadership.

During the 2025-26 season, he has once again been among the Bundesliga’s most consistent performers, contributing both creatively and structurally to Bayern’s dominance. The biggest question surrounding Kimmich might actually be if he can play right back at the same level he did in the past. No longer a spring chicken, Kimmich has racked up some mileage over the years and dealing with today’s wingers could be a tall task for a guy who does not play the position regularly.

At Bayern, Kimmich is the metronome, controlling possession, breaking lines, and organizing play from deep. For Germany, his role includes the formal designation of being captain.

For Germany, his role has shifted between midfield and defense, occasionally disrupting rhythm. Despite this, he remains the emotional and tactical leader, tasked with stabilizing a transitioning national side. Germany has scuffled to find an adequate right back, so Kimmich has had to man the position. It could be argued that he would be even more valuable as a midfielder for this team. As always, though, the 31-year-old will do what is best for the squad.

Kimmich played in both the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2022 FIFA World Cup debacles for Germany. As the face of his generation for German football, he has taken those results hard as both ended in group-stage exits for Germany. While his individual performances were solid, there is a black cloud hanging over his international career because of the brutal team results.

Kimmich is a student of history and deeply cares about his legacy. Another group state exit would be a devastating blow to Kimmich. It seems impossible to think that he will allow that to happen, but Germany has not been itself since 2014, which is something that definitely bothers the intense Kimmich.

The 2026 World Cup represents a defining moment for Kimmich’s international legacy. His leadership and control in midfield will be critical if Germany is to reestablish itself among the elite.

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