Marc-André ter Stegen
Was referred to by some as the Prince Charles of the national team because of his eternal ambitions for the German Tor throne. Of course this is no longer tenable. Charles will wear the crown as number three of his name, but ter Stegen will have to wait as number two, even if he represented the regent Manuel Neuer, who was suffering from Corona, in Leipzig. Speaking of not tenable: Adam Szalai would extend a short corner with the back heel into the long goal corner – that was so unexpected that Ter Stegen is to be absolved of any blame. Brave on the spot against Daniel Gazdag in a one-on-one, also strong in the shot by the very bearded Martin Adam and also with good actions afterwards. Unfortunately an international match, as so often in his career: somehow unlucky, even if he couldn’t help it this time and rather prevented worse.
Jonas Hofmann
Something like the national player of the hour, you wouldn’t have really thought of that a while ago. Unfortunately, the Hungarians and especially the Hungarian Attila Szalai (not to be confused with Adam Szalai, who in turn should not be confused with Martin Adam) were of little interest. He worked mercilessly on the offensive Hofmann and forced him to make numerous mistakes. Since Hofmann was often the last hope of a German attack on the flank, the German offensive also ended with his efforts. After the system changeover at half-time, there were actually two strikers. This speaks for its flexibility and brought a bit more momentum. But nothing more.
Niklas Sule
Slightly surprisingly, he was given preference over his Dortmund new club colleague Nico Schlotterbeck – but also has a few more international matches in the statistics (40 to 4). Early on with a strong tackle against Dominik Szoboszlai, was knocked out later in the game by Szalai (Adam). Actually with an impeccable performance – it stuttered at the front in the German game.
Antonio Ruediger
Recently a defender for Real Madrid, but also likes to play as a substitute defender for Real Madrid. Seeded by Hansi Flick and showed against Hungary why that is. Winner of every duel, especially in the initial phase, even in those that could have led to acute emergencies. In a weak half still the least weak German.
David Raum
Leipzig only recently, but strictly speaking also with a home game in the old central stadium. More left than a punk in Connewitz, at least as far as position was concerned. Consistently kept the flank, but crossed little. Maybe also because he thought: For whom? Timo Werner? Against those tall guys in the Hungary defence? When he tried it and found Thomas Müller, it immediately became dangerous. Still: Felt like someone trying to solve a screwdriver problem with a hammer.
Joshua Kimmich
Had to cope with a small role reversal. At FC Bayern this season he usually has Marcel Sabitzer next to him, who takes away the clearing tasks. Ilkay Gündogan is not that type of player, but Kimmich has never shied away from cleaning up. Nevertheless, it seemed as if he in particular was getting into a mess in this dense red hustle and bustle and must have felt a bit like in the club. Couldn’t find any free space (physical size, not the left winger), but it could also be that the Hungarians just didn’t leave any space at all. Early on with a yellow card after a tactical foul, later with two good long-range shots. Probably because he was angry.
Ilkay Gundogan
Still the most suitable key for the Hungarian lock. In any case, he managed to turn the ball at least once in a while, play a pass forward and create a dangerous situation. A bit surprising that he had to go down in the 70th minute, but Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Gündogan – that would have been too many fine feet for Flick.
Leroy Sane
It’s lucky that he’s playing quite well at Bayern, because otherwise half the country would have discussed him again after this first half. Allowed himself one of his invisible games over long stretches, in which he is borderline rarely in the focus of the TV camera. However: A few balls came to him. Once with a long-range shot, but it made its way over the goal towards West Saxony. Then more active in the second half and with a good chance that was thwarted by Peter Gulacsi.
Thomas Müller
If you’re honest: just as invisible as Sané, but Müller never discussed it. However, the fact that he could not find any free space indicated that none really existed (see Kimmich). Made the Leipzig stadium erupt in “Woooaaaaaaah” after giving the German team their first chance to score in the 39th minute. A harmless header. Scored the goal in the second half – but Jonas Hofmann was previously offside.
Serge Gnabry
Doesn’t play at FC Bayern right now – but it was thought that he would take over some of the goals after Robert Lewandowski left. But even in the national team, he is only sometimes part of the solution when it comes to the storm problem. None of those days were against Hungary. Was substituted at half-time.
Timo Werner
Of all the lost wanderers tonight, the most lost. He tried, yes. But he made paths where there was no ball waiting. He tried duels against the heavy boys from Hungary, which it was clear he couldn’t win. In general, he only saw the ball hand-counted 14 times in the entire game. Once, it seemed like all the waiting, all the walking, was worth it. In the 57th minute he prepared his own chance himself – and missed. Had to leave the pitch after 70 minutes.
substitute
Was completely surprising Thilo Kehrer Hansi Flick’s first choice – but to crack the bolt with a system changeover to a chain of three. Worked a bit. Only in the 70th minute came in Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala two designated chain sprinklers. Too late for a goal. As well as Luke Nmecha.