Young Players to Watch in the World Cup: Group G

Erik Durm (LB, Germany): 

In beating out club-mate and fellow left-back Marcel Schmelzer to the final 23-man German roster, Erik Durm is primed to start for Die Mannschaft this summer.  Not only is this aided by the fact that he is the only true left-back in the squad, but coach Joachim Low has stated that Philipp Lahm will only feature at right-back or defensive midfield – Durm has officially broken into the national team set up.

He had a very strong year for Borussia Dortmund this season, routinely featuring given Schmelzer’s injury riddled season.  He came into the German camp on form and given Schmelzer’s potential lack of form and fitness, Durm won the job – do not be shocked, he has the tools to remain there.

He is very defensively aware, has excellent pace and can provide good service from his flank with overlapping runs, especially when Podolski and Draxler cut in centrally.

He is not looking to leave Dortmund, so this is not a summer for Durm to prove himself worth of a transfer, it is a summer to prove that Low made the right choice, which could influence his club manager Jurgen Klopp in the long run as well. – Drew Thompson

After winning  a spot in Germany’s 23-man squad over club-mate Marcel Schmelzer, Erik Durm is the only left-back on the roster. Durm isn’t an impressive dribbler, nor does he boast magnet-like control over the ball, but he is an athlete with a strong marking ability.

With blistering pace, strength, and tenacity, 22-year-old is not an easy defender to get past and he enjoys nothing more than harassing opposing wing players who try to expose the flanks. Durm also has a great reaction to shots and passes, and will likely put his body in front of the ball.

Now that he’s selected to the 23-man squad, perhaps Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp will consider giving Durm more appearances. – Young Kim