Toni Kroos has publicly advocated for Yann Aurel Bisseck to have been selected in Germany's roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Inter Milan centre-back impressed the legendary midfielder enough to warrant discussion on his podcast, though Kroos ultimately respects manager Julian Nagelsmann's final squad decisions.
Speaking on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen with brother Felix, Kroos praised the 25-year-old defender's physical presence and tactical intelligence. "He caught my eye last year. He's a very good centre-back who, above all, has a certain presence. You don't want to play against him, or at least not go into a tackle with him," Kroos remarked. The assessment highlights Bisseck's intimidating qualities as a defender—traits that have made him a cornerstone of Inter Milan's recent success.
Strong Club Form Overlooked
Bisseck's omission raises eyebrows given his substantial contributions to Inter Milan's impressive 2024-25 campaign. The Cologne-born defender made 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing three assists. More importantly, his defensive solidity played a decisive role in the Nerazzurri's domestic and cup double, establishing him as a reliable performer at the highest club level.
Despite this form, Nagelsmann preferred an established defensive hierarchy. Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck form the primary centre-back pairing, with Waldemar Anton, Antonio Rüdiger, and Malick Thiaw providing depth. This means Germany has five centre-back options for the tournament, though Bisseck remains absent from the final selection.
With only a single senior cap for the German national team, Bisseck lacked the international experience Nagelsmann valued. The manager's conservative approach reflects the competitive pressure ahead: Germany faces Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador in Group E at the 2026 World Cup. Squad continuity and established partnerships often trump individual club form in tournament football, explaining why Nagelsmann's choices ultimately supersede even Kroos's observations.
