FC Augsburg are celebrating a historic day. For the first time in the club's history, two players, goalkeeper Finn Dahmen and left-back Hennes Behrens, have been called up to the German national team simultaneously. Head coach Jürgen Klopp selected the duo for the upcoming Nations League matches. This move shows the strong form of a team sitting third in the Bundesliga with seven points from three games, even ahead of Bayern Munich.
Dahmen and Behrens in focus
Klopp plans to use Finn Dahmen in all four upcoming international fixtures. The goalkeeper was already part of the Germany setup under Julian Nagelsmann but is yet to make his debut. "Finn has delivered outstanding performances in the league and cup," said Augsburg coach Manuel Baum. Dahmen will now get his chance. For Hennes Behrens, signed from TSG Hoffenheim for 3.5 million euros in the summer, the call-up is initially for the first two matches against the Netherlands and Greece. "A dream is coming true," said the 24-year-old.
Baum's praise for Behrens
Manuel Baum was particularly effusive in praising his defender's qualities. Behrens has played every minute of competitive action this season and is, for the coach, a "prime example" of German virtues. "He runs over twelve kilometres per game, never shies from duels and is an exceptional off-the-ball player with high speed endurance, technical quality and two-footedness," Baum said. This consistency on the left flank has been a key component of the successful season start.
Context and outlook
The call-ups reflect the positive development of the entire squad. With nine goals scored and only three conceded, Augsburg has the third-best attack and a solid defence in the league. Top scorer is Michael Gregoritsch with three goals, who scored both in the 2-2 draw against Leverkusen last weekend, the first assisted by Hennes Behrens. A third potential candidate, Anton Kade, was ruled out through injury. A special highlight awaits on 27 September, when the national team hosts Greece at Augsburg's WWK Arena. Before that, FCA must focus on the Bundesliga away game at 10th-placed Werder Bremen on 19 September. The current squad list shows the potential of a roster now gaining international recognition.
Background and full detail: sportschau.de
