In what could be considered a controversial move by some, Germany coach Joachim Löw has confirmed that Bayern Munich right back will man a defensive midfield role for Die Mannschaft during this international break.

Löw previously used Kimmich in that position last fall, but now seems to be fully committed to making the move on a permanent basis. Low’s decision could cause a trickle down effect on the roster as Kimmich will now at least be competing with Toni Kroos, İlkay Gündoğan, and Leon Goretzka for a deeper midfield role. While it is true that each of those players could also play higher in the formation, Kimmich’s presence in the rotation could potentially cause a shake-up among that core group of central midfielders.

#Löw ahead of #GERSRB



"Joshua Kimmich will continue to play as a holding midfielder with us, it has proven a successful move." #DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/E5mt4RxO1x — Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) March 19, 2019

Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus, Werder Bremen’s Maxmilian Eggestein, and Bayer Leverkusen’s duo of Julian Brandt and Kai Havertz are all more likely to play attacking midfield roles or even shift out to wing, which will give Löw multiple options for how he wants to align his troops. What direction Low goes with this lineup will be fascinating to watch.

It is expected that RB Leipzig’s Lukas Klostermann, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Matthias Ginter, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Thilo Kehrer will compete to back-fill Kimmich’s role at right back.

Hoffenheim’s Nico Schulz and RB Leipzig’s Marcel Hastenberg are expected to compete for playing time left back, where FC Augsburg’s Philipp Max and FC Koln’s Jonas Hector were overlooked for the squad.