"I want to be the catalyst" - Bayern Munich's Thomas Müller on his Germany role
Thomas Müller has elaborated on his role in the Germany team after being recalled by Joachim Löw for the rescheduled UEFA 2020 European Championships.
Müller is back in the side following an international exile dating back over two years. The 31-year-old has earned the majority of his 100 senior caps to date as a right-sided attacker, but expects to be deployed in the No.10 position he has long held under lock and key at record champions Bayern Munich.
"The system is not important to me," Müller told media from Germany's pre-tournament training base in Seefeld, Austria. "The important thing when I have the ball is to move forward at pace and get in behind. If I have space, I want to play passes in behind, or get into the final third or the penalty box. The best way to do that is to play a central role."
Watch: Thomas Müller under the tactical microscope
Across the last two seasons alone, Müller has produced a Bundesliga-leading 39 assists operating out of his favoured position behind Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski, whilst scoring 19 of his own. He's also used 13 years on the professional circuit comprising, among others, a record 10 Bundesliga titles, two UEFA Champions League crowns and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, to guide youngsters such as Alphonso Davies and countryman Jamal Musiala.
As the oldest and second-most-capped outfield player in Löw's Euro squad, Müller says he is only too happy to extend his hand of expertise to his international teammates.
"It's not just about being the loudest, it's about sharing information," the self-titled Raumdeuter explained. "I want to spur on every player, and I need teammates to spur me on. I don't want to be all talk and no trousers. I want to be the catalyst, and the one who can switch into turbo mode."
Watch: All Müller's Bundesliga goals and assists in 2020/21
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When Germany kick off their Euro campaign against reigning world champions France on 15 June, some two years, six months and 23 days will have passed since Müller last represented his country, as a substitute in a UEFA Nations League stalemate with the Netherlands.
Looking back, he admits he "could understand" Löw's decision to remove him from the international equation. Looking ahead, Bayern's assist king is determined to make up for lost time.
"I got a great reception, everything fits," he revealed. "I'm raring to go - and I want to be as successful as possible in the next six weeks! We can't predict the results against other teams, but we can determine how we play. The first goal must be to deliver convincing performances."
As well as France, Germany will face holders Portugal (19 June) and Hungary (23 June) in Group F. The three-time European champions also have warm-up games against Denmark and Latvia lined up for 2 and 7 June respectively.
Löw has already explained how he will use Müller in his final tournament following almost 15 years as head coach.
"In a central role," the 61-year-old affirmed. "He can direct and shape the game more in that position, and move up top."
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