Frankfurt is buzzing with anticipation as Jürgen Klopp prepares to unveil his first squad selection on Thursday at 10 AM. Among the names expected to be included is Said El Mala, a player who was controversially dropped by Julian Nagelsmann just eleven months ago after a match. According to reports by kicker, Klopp has opted to call up the Cologne offensive player for the upcoming four Nations League games. He won't be alone, as Bild and Sky have also mentioned Younes Ebnoutalib from Frankfurt as another potential debutant. Additionally, Sky has noted the inclusion of Jonathan Burkardt, Brajan Gruda, Karim Adeyemi, and Kevin Schade, marking a significant shift with five offensive players who were not part of the World Cup squad. This strategic move is far from coincidental; it signals a new direction for the national team.
The narrative surrounding the 20-year-old El Mala is both brief and steep, as he made a remarkable impact during his first Bundesliga season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists—contributing to more than one-third of Cologne's total goals. His impressive performance reportedly kept the club from relegation, according to kicker. In November 2025, Nagelsmann initially called him up, but he did not see any action against Luxembourg and was subsequently sent back to the U21 team. Despite a chance arising from Lennart Karl's injury, he was not included in the World Cup squad. The summer brought a transfer saga fueled by Premier League interest, culminating in a contract extension with Cologne, and now he proudly dons the number 10 jersey.
However, his season start has been somewhat rocky with just one goal against Hoffenheim, where he squandered a significant chance before halftime. He fell ill before the match against Stuttgart and had a brief appearance against Bremen, resulting in only one scoring point across three games. The kicker attributes his nomination not merely to statistics but to his unique playing style, describing him as "unconventional" and "always capable of delivering a surprise," along with a relentless spirit. These descriptors echo Klopp's hopes for players who can contribute unexpected elements to the game, particularly in a 4-3-3 formation with authentic wingers.
The second debutant, Younes Ebnoutalib, 21, hailing from Frankfurt, plays on the wing for Eintracht, and recently assisted a goal against Augsburg. Under FIFA regulations, he is still eligible to represent Morocco, so a call-up from Klopp would send a clear message that the German Football Association (DFB) is eager to secure his allegiance. This would mark the first instance in years where Germany nominates a player primarily to influence a federation decision. Klopp's experience with players like Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah has equipped him with insights into the potential African federations can offer.
Additionally, Jonathan Burkardt, his teammate who scored against Augsburg, is also on the list. Karim Adeyemi has found his scoring touch since moving from Dortmund to Barcelona, netting spectacular goals against Feyenoord and Levante. Meanwhile, Kevin Schade has made a strong start at Brentford, and Brajan Gruda has contributed assists for Leipzig. All three players were overlooked by Nagelsmann, yet they fit perfectly into the roles Klopp's system demands: pacey and direct play along the flanks.
A distinct pattern emerges from this squad selection, clearly indicating that Klopp is prioritizing five or six players whom Nagelsmann did not deem fit for the World Cup. This is not a criticism of the previous coach, as Nagelsmann faced tournament pressure, while Klopp’s focus is on the Nations League. This selection represents a tangible response to the question of whether the new era would simply continue the past's approach. The answer, particularly regarding the offensive lineup, is a resounding no.
Currently, the reports stem from three media outlets, each citing their sources, and no nominations have been officially confirmed. The kicker notes that their information is based on insider knowledge, while Bild and Sky reference their own sources. With the deadline approaching on Thursday, substantial changes could still occur; especially since the squad, as indicated by Sportschau, will likely exceed 23 players. The real challenge lies ahead for Klopp, who must finalize a matchday squad of 23 players before each game. Therefore, merely traveling to Herzogenaurach on Monday does not guarantee a place in the lineup for the match in Amsterdam on September 24.
For El Mala, a second nomination would be more significant than the first; previously, he arrived, observed, and departed without playing. This time, he joins a coach who has four matches in eleven days and has expressed intentions to utilize his roster effectively. Whether he will play ultimately lies in Klopp's hands, but according to kicker, his nomination seems all but certain.
As reported by neunzigplus.de.
