Overview
- Klopp deliberately used a secondary squad in the recent internationals to test younger players and install a 4-3-3 that defines a lone No.6 role.
- Aleksandar Pavlovic emerged as that No.6, controlling distribution and steadying build-up play in matches against Serbia and Greece.
- Tom Bischof and Florian Wirtz combined well with Pavlovic, with Bischof scoring the opener against Serbia and the trio earning praise for balance and energy.
- Joshua Kimmich’s status has been publicly questioned after his partial omission, but reporting makes clear he has not been formally demoted and will be watched under Klopp’s performance criteria.
- Strong national performances by Pavlovic and Bischof may not translate to guaranteed starts at FC Bayern because returning players and summer signings increase competition for minutes.