Following a return to Germany's national team after over two years, the 34-year-old became the Borussia Dortmund player with the most victories, after featuring in a 4-2 Bundesliga win against Union Berlin, reports Xinhua.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
207 wins in 348 games helped the defender outpace club icon Michael Zorc. What seems a side story might be an additional reason why Germany national coach Julian Nagelsmann has called for the previously written-off defender.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 2014 World Cup winner's persistence took him back to new heights not many expected in the spring of 2023.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Due to his age, turning 35 this December, Hummels seemed downgraded to a backbencher in the Dortmund squad, and slipping back into the Germany shirt seemed little more than a pipedream.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ahead of matches against the United States, Mexico and Turkey, Hummels spoke about \"an outstanding appreciation\" to be call up and, on top, mentioned by Nagelsmann as the team leader.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The return is a reward for his efforts on and off the pitch, as it gives proof of the efforts he took to make things work again.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I have been taking a leading role when I sat on the bench in Dortmund and I will do the same while in the national team,\" Hummels said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It might be hard to imagine that Nagelsmann is going to place Hummels on the bench, but the Borussia defender seemed keen to announce: \"I accept the leader role, no matter how our coach's approach is when it comes to the lineup.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
German football association Sporting Director Rudi Voller called Hummels an experienced player who can take young players to new heights and trigger ambitions. \"He is a natural leader,\" the German striker icon said, adding: \"He has proved that over the past months in Dortmund; having to face competition. He is a player with instinct.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
To be an example delivering determination and passion is possible sitting on the bench, while giving everything in training sessions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Germany squad has the quality to return to the top of international football, the former Dortmund captain said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Over recent months, Hummels has turned into his club's best player, and demands for his return to the struggling national team increased day by day.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I want the national team be what we were some years ago, one of the world's best,\" Hummels said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He is happy to deliver an example of not giving up when facing dark times. At Dortmund, Hummels saw off younger competitors such as Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Dortmund defender made his last appearance in the Germany shirt in the summer of 2021, and won 43 of his 76 internationals. <\/p>\r\n\r\n", "image": "https:\/\/img.cricketnmore.com\/uploads\/2023\/10\/team-leading-possible-from-bench-says-hummels.jpg", "alt_img": "Team leading possible from bench, says Hummels", "alt_title": "Mats Hummels returning to 'coach' struggling German national team", "image1": null, "video": null, "seo_title": "Team Leading Possible From Bench, Says Hummels On Cricketnmore", "seo_desc": "Team Leading Possible From Bench, Says Hummels, Sporting Director Rudi Voller: The latest achievement seems to perfectly fit into Mats Hummels current flow..", "seo_keywords": "Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund, Union Berlin, Michael Zorc, Julian Nagelsmann, World Cup, United States, Sporting Director Rudi Voller, The Germany, At Dortmund, Niklas Sule, Nico Schlotterbeck, The Dortmund", "tag": "", "tagging": "Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund, Union Berlin, Michael Zorc, Julian Nagelsmann, World Cup, United States, Sporting Director Rudi Voller, The Germany, At Dortmund, Niklas Sule, Nico Schlotterbeck, The Dortmund", "status": "1", "img_rpt": "0", "google": "1", "standout": "0", "edapps": "0", "pulse": "0", "no_index": "0", "feed": "0", "fixture": null, "slug": "team-leading-possible-from-bench-says-hummels", "user_id": "0", "read_count": "0", "ians_date": null, "ians_time": null, "server_time": null, "trash": "0", "view_count": "834", "page_break": "0", "instant_articles": "1", "auto_link": "0", "created": "2023-10-09 14:16:02", "updated": "2023-10-09 14:16:02", "img_from": "Image Source: IANS", "img_source": null, "schedule_publish": null, "news_keywords": "Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund, Union Berlin, Michael Zorc, Julian Nagelsmann, World Cup, United States, Sporting Director Rudi Voller, The Germany, At Dortmund, Niklas Sule, Nico Schlotterbeck, The Dortmund", "livescore_text": null, "livescore_link": null, "btn_text": null, "resend_feed": "1", "google_feed": "1", "read_more": "0", "posted_by": "23", "jio_date": "2023-10-09 14:16:02", "scheduled": "0", "news_now": "0", "breaking_news": "0", "google_date": null, "featured": "0", "sports_name": "football", "cnmid": "805287", "link": "https:\/\/www.cricketnmore.com\/sports-news\/team-leading-possible-from-bench-says-hummels-9443" }