Antonio Rudiger
March 2026
Antonio Rudiger is facing renewed scrutiny over his Germany role, with growing debate that Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck may now be ahead of him in the centre-back hierarchy. Recent criticism has focused on form, fitness and disciplinary noise rather than his status as an automatic defensive leader. Reuters confirmed Rudiger is back in Germany’s squad after injury, but current reporting in Germany indicates Nagelsmann values Tah’s consistency and Schlotterbeck’s left-footed build-up qualities. That leaves Rudiger needing strong performances and full fitness to reassert himself before the World Cup.