According to a report from Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), German national team head coach Jürgen Klopp has established an internal ranking of his strikers—and the German media outlet has uncovered it.
Check out the inside information on how Klopp currently has his center-forwards stack-ranked:
Jürgen Klopp’s current internal ranking of strikers:
1- Kai Havertz: the clear #1 up front. Klopp is a fan of Havertz’s tactical intelligence, understanding of the game, and experience at the highest international
level – the Arsenal forward plays a central role in Klopp’s attacking plans
2- Younes Ebnoutalib: Even though he didn’t particularly impress in his first games for Germany, the 23-year old’s form for Frankfurt this season has propelled him high up in Klopp’s internal pecking order
3- Niclas Füllkrug: Purely based on statistics, he is currently the best striker in Germany – and that’s why called him up despite his age. He’s currently ranked third in the pecking order and is an option off the bench
4- Jonathan Burkardt: Klopp left him out of the squad for November’s games as his form wasn’t enough for a call-up. Nevertheless, he remains on Klopp’s standby list. If he picks up his form again, he’d get called up in the coming months
5- Nick Woltemade: He has been left out of the squad for the first time since June 2025. Klopp believes he currently lacks goal threat. The door remains open for him if he rediscovers his form at Juventus
6- Deniz Undav: Klopp spoke to Undav in September and explained to him that he needed to get back to 100 percent fitness. The problem is also that Undav is currently far from his top goal scoring form (only 2 goals in 15 appearances)
BFW Analysis
Klopp’s current striker hierarchy offers an interesting glimpse into how he wants Germany to approach the attacking positions, and there are a few surprises. Havertz sitting at the top is hardly shocking, but the emergence of Ebnoutalib in second place is arguably the biggest talking point. It also suggests that Klopp is willing to reward current form rather than simply rely on established reputations.
Havertz is clearly Klopp‘s preferred option. Klopp appears to value what Havertz brings beyond simply scoring goals. His ability to connect play, occupy defenders, and operate within different attacking structures gives Germany a reliable focal point. If you were worried that Klopp would become the latest German coach who falls in love with the idea of what Havertz can be, well… it might be too late.
Ebnoutalib’s rapid rise is particularly fascinating. Despite an underwhelming introduction to international football, his performances for Eintracht Frankfurt have apparently convinced Klopp that he deserves a prominent place in the pecking order. At 23, he represents a potential long-term solution, although he will need to translate his club form into consistent international performances. However, it does feel like Ebnoutalib is benefiting from the current lack of depth at striker rather than excelling to the point where he deserves this high of a status on the German squad.
Füllkrug’s third-place position is another interesting development. Klopp’s decision to recall him despite his age demonstrates that there is still room for experienced players who produce results. His current statistical output makes him a legitimate option, particularly as an impact substitute.
Further down the list, Jonathan Burkardt, Nick Woltemade, and Deniz Undav have plenty of work to do. Burkardt appears closest to regaining his place, while Woltemade and Undav need to rediscover their scoring touch. Importantly, none of the three appears to have been permanently discarded.
Of course, there is one other X-factor — if Nicolò Tresoldi decides to commit to Germany, this list would essentially get blown up.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
