Barcelona superstar to captain Germany despite Manuel Neuer’s return

As the world gears up for the European Championships, the spotlight falls on Germany. The likes of Spain, England, France and Portugal are indeed up amongst the favourites, but the Germans have a point to prove as the hosts.

Their recent form, however, has been far from positive. Julian Nageslmann’s men have won just two of their last ten international friendlies, even losing six in the process.

The Captain heading forward

The German National team has seen a massive influx of young faces in recent years, but there is something special about the upcoming Euros on that front.

For starters, Real Madrid maestro Toni Kroos has announced that he will be coming out of retirement to join his National Team, for the tournament at home. Nagelsmann’s men will also have Manuel Neuer, the former captain who missed over a year after a skiing accident, back available for the tournament.

According to reports from BILD (h/t FCB World), however, Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan will retain the captaincy of the team regardless. The treble-winning captain of Manchester City is one of the best leaders a team can ask for on the field and will continue to do so in the Euros.

In imperious form

Gundogan has been one of Barcelona’s most consistent performers this season and serves as the one link holding together a team in disarray. The German star’s versatility and relentlessness make him a massive asset for the team, and statistics speak the rest.

Earlier this week, Gundogan became the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to create 100 chances this season. Considering that he did so playing most matches as a deep-lying midfielder, the statistic is staggering.

Further, the 33-year-old midfielder has scored five goals and provided six assists for Barcelona in La Liga this season. To say that Gundogan is in imperious form would thus be an understatement.