Overview
- Raum says he aims to be the team's emotional leader, emphasizing mentality, physicality and consistent play over individual flair.
- Nagelsmann praises him as the squad's “kaugummi,” highlighting his connections across the group and noting his club captaincy has increased his responsibility for Germany.
- The left-back position has steadied with Raum a regular starter, backed by set-piece delivery and work rate, after his first Germany goal in October against Luxembourg.
- Competition remains for the outside-back spots, with Eintracht Frankfurt's Nathaniel Brown emerging as the main challenger while Maximilian Mittelstädt has slipped from contention.
- Germany visit Luxembourg on Friday before hosting Slovakia in Leipzig on Monday, a match that could seal World Cup qualification.