Northern Ireland v Germany, Thurs 5th October

PLAYMAKER SUPREME Technically excellent, Kroos is playmaker supreme, never losing his cool. Dictates the pace of the game from the centre of midfield for both club and country. And he also happens to be Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis’s favourite player (and most difficult opponent)! Joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich for £23m in 2014 after winning the Bundesliga and the German Cup three times, the Champions League in 2013 and the World Cup in 2014. He was in Bayern’s first team squad at the age of 17. With Real Madrid he has won La Liga (2017) and the Champions League in 2016 and 2017. Has played in six WC 2018 qualifiers, including the 2-0 win against Northern Ireland last October. Has scored once - against the Czech Republic at home last October. Operates the crucial role in the centre of midfield in front of the back four. Played in four WC 2010 finals matches and in seven WC 2014 finals matches, scoring two goals in the semi-final 7-1 defeat of host country Brazil. Made his international debut in Munich in March 2010 against Argentina, a game the Germans lost 1-0. CREATIVE FORCE Although he usually operates wide on the left, the creative midfielder can also play on the right or just behind the striker. He played on the left side of the midfield three behind Mario Gotze in last year’s WC qualifier between Germany and Northern Ireland (2-0) - and scored. Played in one game in the WC 2014 Finals, coming off the bench in the 7-1 semi- final victory over Brazil. In 2014 and 2018 World Cup qualifiers he has played in 12 matches, all of which Germany have won, scoring three goals. Started his career with Schalke. Went on to play 119 Bundesliga games (18 goals) for them and won the German Cup in 2011. Moved to Wolfsburg in August 2015, and from there to Paris Saint-Germain in January 2017. Has only played 19 league games (four goals) in France to date but has been hampered by injuries. Captained Germany’s winning team in this year’s Confederations Cup, playing all five games and scoring one goal against Australia. He was named player of the tournament. Played in five of Germany’s six matches in Euro 2016, although he was on the bench for the game against Northern Ireland. Scored in the 3-0 Round of 16 win against Slovakia. SUPER STRIKER A maker as well as a taker of goals, Muller is a superstar for Germany whether playing as an attacking midfielder or up front. Muller was a key member of the 2014 World Cup-winning team. Scored the opener in the 7-1 semi-final defeat of hosts Brazil - Germany's 2000th goal in its history. In the previous World Cup, in 2010 in South Africa, he was awarded the Golden Boot as top scorer with five goals and was also voted best young player. In Brazil in 2014 he also scored five times. Played in all of Germany’s Euro 2016 qualifiers, scoring nine goals, and in all six matches in the finals, although he did not score. To date he has played in seven WC 2018 qualifiers, scoring seven goals. He won the league title with Bayern Munich for the fifth time in five years last season. In total he has scored 97 goals in 262 Bundesliga games since making his debut for Bayern in 2008-09. Muller, a product of Bayern’s youth system, has also won the German Cup four times and the Champions League (2013). Made his full international debut in February 2009 against Norway. Played in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and 2012 and 2016 Euro tournaments. Has scored 32 goals for Arsenal in 165 league games.

TONI KROOS MIDFIELDER

Age Caps Goals Club 27 78 12 Real Madrid

JULIAN DRAXLER MIDFIELDER

Age Caps Goals Club 24 37 6 Paris Saint-Germain

THOMAS MULLER FORWARD

Age Caps Goals Club 28 87 37 Bayern Munich

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