Thomas Muller has elaborated on his role in the Germany team after being recalled by Joachim Löw for the rescheduled UEFA 2020 European Championships.
Catalyst between defensive and attacking line
Across the last two seasons alone, Muller has produced a Bundesliga-leading 39 assists operating out of his favored position behind Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski, whilst scoring 19 of his own. He’s also used 13 years on the professional circuit comprising, among others, a record 10 Bundesliga titles, two UEFA Champions League crowns and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, to guide youngsters such as Alphonso Davies and countryman Jamal Musiala.
As the oldest and second-most-capped outfield player in Low’s Euro squad, Muller says he is only too happy to extend his hand of expertise to his international teammates. “It’s not just about being the loudest, it’s about sharing information,” the self-titled Raumdeuter explained. I want to spur on every player, and I need teammates to spur me on. I don’t want to be all talk and no trousers. I want to be the catalyst, and the one who can switch into turbo mode.”
Euro 2020 for Germany
When Germany kick off their Euro campaign against reigning world champions France on 15 June, some two years, six months and 23 days will have passed since Müller last represented his country, as a substitute in a UEFA Nations League stalemate with the Netherlands.
Looking back, he admits he “could understand” Low’s decision to remove him from the international equation. Looking ahead, Bayern’s assistant king is determined to make up for lost time. “I got a great reception, everything fits,” he revealed. “I’m raring to go – and I want to be as successful as possible in the next six weeks! We can’t predict the results against other teams, but we can determine how we play. The first goal must be to deliver convincing performances.”
As well as France, Germany will face holders Portugal and Hungary in Group F. The three-time European champions also have warm-up games against Denmark and Latvia lined up for 2 and 7 June respectively.