5 youngsters who can represent Germany in the 2018 World Cup

Germany v Nigeria: Round of 16 - FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015
Julian Brandt

There's no shortage of German starlets who will be looking to make an impact in the first team for Russia next year. Unlike a lot of other countries, where blossoming of youngsters is often restricted to a handful of clubs, Germany have increasingly earned this reputation for having almost every Bundesliga club produce quality young talents.

From Bayern Munich to any lesser known club, every single side in the German first division has the knack for producing players who have the capability to become world class.

And with the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski, Philipp Lahm and Miroslav Klose ceasing to be German internationals, it is time the younger players come in and make an impact, with the World Cup in Russia beckoning next year. And rightly so, a host of youngsters will be looking to seal a spot in the plane to Russia after doing well for their clubs this season.

We run the rule over youngsters who can make the cut for Germany next year.

#5 Julian Brandt

Julian Brandt is probably one of the best youngsters in the world right now and Germany would love to hand him some international exposure.

The Bayer Leverkusen man did play a regular role in the recently concluded Confederations Cup, where he caught the eyes of many with his pace and directness on the flank. His debut for the senior National side came last year and the 21-year-old Brandt gives you the impression of being an experienced professional despite being quite young.

He has already made 100 senior appearances for the Die Werkself and his performances this season will go a long way in not just shaping his destiny for next year's extravaganza, but also for his whole career.

#4 Niklas Sule

Brazil v Germany - Final: Men's Football - Olympics: Day 15
Niklas Sule

While young Niklas Sule came to the limelight only after his move to Bayern Munich last summer, he was already doing well for Hoffenheim before sealing the switch to Bavaria.

Much like Brandt, Sule too played for the Die Mannschaft in the Confed Cup and much like the winger, did quite well. He scored on his Bundesliga debut for Bayern, capping off what was an impressive outing at the back.

With Holger Badstuber now at Stuttgart and Bayern in need of depth at the back, Sule will be used by Carlo Ancelotti regularly and the big defender is expected to fulfil his promise too.

The Frankfurt-born 21-year-old has already appeared six times for the senior German side and a good showing this season can make him an excellent alternative to Mats Hummels and Shkodran Mustafi.

#3 Jonathan Tah

Germany - Training & Press Conference
Jonathan Tah

Big Jonathan Tah is another one of those young starlets in Germany who, rather deservedly, has already received the opportunity to represent the senior team. And he did well to give the onlookers a good account of himself.

While he wasn't selected for the Confederations Cup, Tah has already appeared three times for Loew’s men, playing in the Euro 2016 as well. The former Hamburg man has become an important player for Leverkusen ever since joining and is known to be one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga too, despite not playing for the Bayern Munichs and Borussia Dortmunds of this world.

Along with Sule, Tah has the opportunity to commute with the side to Russia, if he plays out another impressive campaign for the BayArena based outfit.

#2 Kerem Demirbay

Liverpool FC v 1899 Hoffenheim - UEFA Champions League Qualifying Play-Offs Round: Second Leg
Kerem Demirbay

Before last season, very few football fans knew who Kerem Demirbay was. Fast forward a season and a lot has changed for the former Hamburg man. He played a vital role in taking Hoffenheim to the Champions League and the Confed Cup call up was well deserved too.

A hardworking and forward thinking central midfielder by trade, Demirbay played in the heart of the park in Julian Nagelsmann’s 3-4-3 formation and further up the pitch for Germany, for whom he has already scored once. He is a player who thrives on freedom and the presence of a player like Toni Kroos or a Sami Khedira will allow him that.

One can expect him to play an influential role for Nagelsmann’s side this season as well, but it would be intriguing to see if he is considered for Russia.

#1 Mahmoud Dahoud

Germany v Denmark - 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship
Mahmoud Dahoud

Young Mahmoud Dahoud is one of those players on this list who hasn't represented Germany at the senior level at all. But his club exploits are the most impressive of all.

His performances for Borussia Monchengladbach earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund last January and the half Syrian represented Germany in this summer's U21 Euros, playing an important role in handing the nation the title. A move to BVB doesn't mean that his development will stagnate, thanks to Peter Bosz, who is the kind of manager that is always willing to work with youngsters.

Although a wee unlikely, but an impressive season for the men in yellow could make sure that many shift their attention to Dahoud, who is certainly a one for the future.

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Edited by Amit Mishra
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