Jonathan Tah has emerged as one of the world’s best centerback in a career revitalization that very few would have suspected five years ago. The longtime Bayer Leverkusen defender never hit his ceiling until a wonder season with Xabi Alonso, and ever since the defender has been among the world’s elite.
Even since then, many fans were skeptical of the defender’s transfer to Bayern in the summer, as many still were skeptical of his quality even then. That has all changed now as Tah has quickly become
a fan favorite in Munich and is favored alongside Nico Schlotterbeck to start as Julian Nagelsmann’s central defensive duo in North America this summer.
“This would be my first World Cup. That’s why it means so much to me. As a kid, you dream of being at the World Cup, of being able to play against all these teams – and of soaking up the atmosphere. It’s something very special. That’s why I’m extremely looking forward to being there for Germany and being successful,” Tah told Sky Germany journalist Kerry Hau (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Jonathan Tah was a young teenager when Germany hosted the world’s most prestigous tournament in 2006 and was a key player for Die Mannschaft in 2024 when Germany hosted the Euros. Tah knows how special these tournaments are and is keen to soak it up.
After some defensive doubts in recent years with the national team, there is a clear identity in defense with Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah having secured the backline. While there are still some questions about the squad, Germany could be shaping up as outside contenders come the World Cup this summer.
