Per Mertesacker wants West Ham United’s Thilo Kehrer to start for Germany this afternoon as they prepare to take on Spain at the World Cup.
Germany were stunned in midweek as they squandered a 1-0 lead to eventually lose 2-1 at the hands of Japan.
Germany had that game in their hands but couldn’t kill the game off and ended up being hit not once but twice as Japan gained confidence.
Hansi Flick’s side must respond against Spain tonight and whilst there may be a temptation to make changes, Flick is being urged to make just one.
Per Mertesacker wants Thilo Kehrer to start
Arsenal academy boss Per Mertesacker has been speaking about the German side ahead of today’s game.
Mertesacker told Kicker that he wouldn’t ‘throw everything overboard’ just because Germany lost one game.
Instead, Mertesacker is telling Flick to make just the one change – bring in West Ham United defender Thilo Kehrer.
Mertesacker suggests that Niklas Sule should be brought over from right back to centre back, partnering Antonio Rudiger.
Kehrer would then come in at right back, a position he has played many times in his career and even at West Ham.
That would mean Nico Schlotterbeck being dropped to the bench after a rather shaky display against Japan.
It’s unclear whether Flick will agree with Mertesacker but he has been a fan of Kehrer during his time in charge of Germany.
Kehrer started seven times in World Cup qualifying and has also been a regular in friendlies and UEFA Nations League games.
That means that, if Flick was thinking of changing his back line, the West Ham ace has a very strong chance of being the man to come in.
The summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain has started 13 Premier League games for West Ham, becoming an important first-team player under David Moyes.
There are a handful of West Ham players who have featured at this tournament – Lucas Paqueta, Declan Rice and Nayef Aguerd spring to mind – and Kehrer could now join them.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
