The Germany XI that will NOT be featuring at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Fullbacks: Benjamin Henrichs and Philipp Max

Henrichs is capable of playing on either flank

If there is one area of concern for Germany, it is the fullback position. The Germans had to play Benedikt Howedes, a centre-back by trade, as a left-back in Brazil four years ago. The situation has improved this time around with Joshua Kimmich and Jonas Hector likely to start with Sebastian Rudy and Marvin Plattenhardt acting as backups.

Low had other options to choose from. Bayer Leverkusen’s 21-year-old full-back, Benjamin Henrichs, is considered one for the future and he was part of the German team that won the Confederations Cup last year. Henrichs is capable of playing on either flank but his lack of a regular starting role at Leverkusen may have cost him his place.

Only a handful of players in Europe's Top 5 leagues have more assists than Max this season

On the other wing, it was a tough choice between Marcel Schmelzer and Philipp Max but considering that Low never preferred the former, we went ahead with the Augsburg defender.

Max enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career in 2017/18. He picked up 13 assists in the league for an Augsburg side that finished 12th out of 18 teams and scored just 43 goals all season! This is even more remarkable when you realise that the only player to have more assists than him in the league was Thomas Muller!

Low was asked about the possibility of including Philipp Max in the previous international break and this was his response:

At the moment, Max is not in contention for a World Cup place. We've watched him a few times. There's no doubt he's a good left-sided player, but as of yet he's not part of our plans.