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Newfound Depth Sees Germany Beat The Netherlands 1-0

Germany has secured its spot in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals thanks to a 1-0 win over arch-rivals Netherlands. VfB Stuttgart winger Jamie Leweling (64’) scored the game’s only goal in front of 70,000 fans at sold-out Allianz Arena in Munich.

“Today was a big step,” German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann said after the game. “We did well and didn't concede much. We absolutely deserved to win.”

There is no doubt that Germany deserved the win. Except the last five to ten minutes, the Germans dominated the Dutch and, in truth, should have been up within two minutes after Leweling scored within 120 seconds.

Much to the surprise of all onlookers, referee Slavko Vincic overturned the goal after a review on the touchline. Serge Gnabry might have been offside in the buildup and then influenced the game. It was, at best, a controversial decision.

It didn’t impact debutant Leweling. The Stuttgart winger was one of the best players on the pitch and would get his much-deserved goal in the second half.

“I didn't expect him to play so well,” Nagelsmann said about the 23-year-old winger. “He handled many critical situations well. “We surprised him with being in the starting lineup.” Added Leweling: "I found out this morning that I was starting. Of course, I was nervous. But in the end, it's football, 11 against 11. On the pitch, the nervousness was gone.”

Leweling wasn’t the only surprise starter against the Netherlands. In midfield, Nagelsmann opted to start Aleksandar Pavlovic and Angelo Stiller together. For both, it was the first time they had started in a Germany shirt. Then, in goal, Oliver Baumann made his debut.

Despite all those changes, however, Germany still played the dominant football that had become typical of the Nagelsmann era.

“We had a lot of new and young players and, unfortunately, a lot of injuries,” Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said after the game. “But you didn't notice that. Jamie [Leweling] has to be singled out for praise. He played an outstanding game, and not just because of his goal. It's not often you get a standing ovation at the Allianz Arena on your debut.”

The newfound depth of this Germany team is the biggest takeaway of the October window. Not only did Germany start four new faces, but Tim Kleindienst only recorded his second start overall for Die Nationalmannschaft.

All the new faces managed to compensate for the absence of big names like Jamal Musiala over the two games. Furthermore, Kevin Schade and Jonathan Burkardt came off the bench and immediately made an impression.

The ever-growing depth of this team is remarkable, given that critiques within Germany have lamented the lack of talent available for the national team. But club coaches like Sebastian Hoeneß (Stuttgart) and Frank Schmidt (Heidenheim) have highlighted that plenty of German talent is available when given a chance.

Nagelsmann, too deserves praise. The 37-year-old has given talent like Leweling a chance and isn’t afraid to start inexperienced players like Stiller and Pavlovic in key roles, even against bigger opponents like the Netherlands.

With all that in mind, there is a true sense of optimism one year into the Nagelsmann era. Germany has taken the euphoria from the Euros and quickly advanced from their Nations League group while growing the depth of a side that once looked devoid of talent.

Furthermore, Nagelsmann now has the luxury of experimenting even further in the final two games of the year against Hungary and Bosnia. This luxury will certainly be utilized by Nagelsmann to further improve this side.

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