With the European Championship approaching, competition intensifies for the women’s DFB team, particularly in midfield. Lena Oberdorf aims for a comeback after her injury, while coach Christian Wück evaluates other contenders like Laura Freigang, Sydney Lohmann, and rising star Linda Dallmann. Janina Minge takes on a crucial defensive role, and veteran Sara Däbritz provides stability to the squad. The team’s final friendly matches will be vital for finalizing the lineup before the tournament in July.
With only three matches remaining before the European Championship, players vying for a spot on the women’s DFB team must put their best foot forward. The competition in midfield is particularly intense, especially with one key player who has yet to make her debut for her club this season.
Will Lena Oberdorf make her comeback just in time for the European Championship? National coach Christian Wück and the star player from FC Bayern remain optimistic. The midfield battle is heating up ahead of the football EM scheduled for July in Switzerland, even in the absence of the 23-year-old, who is recovering well from a cruciate ligament injury.
During the Nations League match against Scotland in Wolfsburg on Tuesday (5:45 PM/ARD, KiKA, and in the live ticker), Wück anticipates gaining crucial insights. Following this match, only two friendly games remain before the EM: one against the Netherlands on May 20 in Bremen and another against Austria on June 3.
While Wück faces challenges in defense due to limited options, the offensive lineup appears more settled with players like Klara Bühl, Lea Schüller, and Jule Brand. Oberdorf has been a mainstay in the vital defensive midfield role until her unfortunate knee injury just before the Olympics. Currently, she is partially back in training with FC Bayern and is eager to join the EM squad. However, she has yet to see any action with her club.
“I need to assess how my knee is holding up and if I can participate in matches for Bayern,” she shared in Sky’s ‘Nachspielzeit.’ Wück understands the complexities of returning from a cruciate ligament injury, stating, “Ultimately, it will depend on her knee’s response. It would certainly be beneficial for her to play two or three more matches for Bayern before the season ends.”
Spotlight on Dallmann
As for the other midfield contenders, several questions arise: Will Laura Freigang or Sydney Lohmann make a significant impact? Is there still a role for Sara Däbritz? Can Elisa Senß and Sjoeke Nüsken maintain their positions? Recently, Senß has emerged alongside Chelsea’s Nüsken in defensive midfield, having scored the opening goal in the first leg against Scotland. While she may not possess Oberdorf’s strength, the Frankfurt player has impressed with her aggressive play, technical skills, and vision.
Linda Dallmann is increasingly becoming a player to watch: The 30-year-old from Munich, standing at just 1.58 meters, may soon shed her role as a bench player for the DFB team. Wück praised her impact on the game, noting, “Whether she starts or comes on as a substitute, Linda changes the dynamic. She understands her importance to the team.” Dallmann added, “One’s value shouldn’t solely be based on starting positions; I’ve learned that both roles carry their own advantages and challenges.”
Freigang has also navigated her share of limited playtime—having participated in the EM 2022, WM 2023, and preparing for the Olympics 2024. Under the new national coach, she has seen starting opportunities but has yet to make a significant mark as a playmaker or scorer.
Minge’s Role in Central Defense
Sydney Lohmann of FC Bayern has long been viewed as a player brimming with potential, though injuries have hindered her progress. “I aim to prove myself and proudly don the eagle on my chest. The EM is my objective,” the 24-year-old expressed. Wück has reassured her that she is very close to returning to form and should continue her recovery journey.
Janina Minge, who made a name for herself during the bronze medal win in France under Horst Hrubesch, has stepped up as Oberdorf’s replacement. The versatile player from VfL Wolfsburg, now serving as deputy captain, is essential in central defense. Wück believes Minge has yet to fully appreciate her value to the team, both on and off the pitch, including her contributions during team meetings.
Lastly, there’s Sara Däbritz. At 30 years old, the Olympique Lyon player stands as the last survivor from the 2016 Olympic victory, boasting 106 international caps as the most seasoned player on the team. Having been a European champion in 2013, her substitution during the 4-1 match against Austria brought “a certain stability to midfield,” as noted by Wück, a crucial trait for a team undergoing transition.