Star performers

Mats Hummels

Centre-back, 29, Bayern Munich

A product of Bayern Munich’s youth academy, Hummels had to move away from the nation’s biggest club to kickstart his career. An initial loan spell with Borussia Dortmund turned into a permanent move that led to an eight-year stay that yielded two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final. He returned to Bayern in the summer of 2016.

An imposing central defender, Hummels has won many plaudits not just for his defensive strength, but also his ability to cleanly progress the ball from deep. The 29-year-old can turn defence into attack with solid pressing, jockeying and tackling, coupled with accurate long balls to set up potential counter-attacks.

Not surprisingly, he plays a central role in Joachim Low’s chosen back line, winning more than 60 caps since his debut in 2010. He was part of the team that won the World Cup four years ago, scoring against Portugal in the group stages and again in the quarter-final win over France.

Mesut Ozil

Attacking midfielder, 29, Arsenal

An attacking midfielder who operates mostly in central areas, Ozil broke into FC Schalke’s first team as a teenager before spending two successful years at Werder Bremen. A sequence of exciting displays for his country at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, including a dazzling performance against Fabio Capello’s woeful England, earned him a big-money move to Real Madrid. After three years in Spain, he moved to Arsenal in 2013.

The 29-year-old is comfortable in tight areas, often doing his best work when surrounded by opponents. He is patient and guileful in possession, always aware of his teammates’ movements. As such, he is a superb attacking threat perfectly suited to Germany’s central attacking play, as their midfield looks to receive the ball in between the opposition’s defensive lines.

Often scrutinised for his lack of defensive work, Ozil (below, left) can be misunderstood. Where some players may sprint to find space, he prefers to let the game move around him. His apparent nonchalance in possession is often mistaken for a lack of desire, not least during his most recent spell with Arsenal. But don’t be fooled – he is still the chief creator of genuine goalscoring chances for both club and country.