by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Germany's latest upswing is strongly connected to Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
Ahead of the country's friendly against Mexico in Philadelphia on Tuesday, the 32-year-old is not only wearing the captain band but also has turned into a conducting leader.
While having decorated his club life with several titles in the Premier League, the former Manchester City midfielder seemed stuck in the role of a supporting cast for long in the national team.
By appointing the five-time Premier League winner as the team captain, Germany's new coach Julian Nagelsmann opened doors for a change of hierarchy.
The coach called his leading force a "silent observer, perceiving everything happening on the pitch and finding a solution for the team's benefit."
"He is far from a loudspeaker holding speeches in front of the squad or yelling around in the locker room," Nagelsmann said. "You have to back him and make him strong."
The coach puzzled over the challenge of creating an atmosphere in which Gundogan's skills can bloom.
"He has delivered world-class performances in his clubs for years, why shouldn't he do the same in the national team?" Nagelsmann asked.
Gundogan is paying back the coach's full trust.
For him, leaving his shadowy existence behind might have benefitted from the wind of change as players such as Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka face a performance low in their club and the national team.
Now times of Bayern midfielders dominating might be over.
Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross said Gundogan "is giving everyone a good feeling."
Accompanied by Gross, the Barca midfielder took the chance to shine.
In a 3-1 win against the United States in a friendly, after scoring the equalizer, Gundogan led his side to a satisfying second half and a convincing victory.
Nagelsmann managed to create a new axis, starting with Mats Hummels to spearhead Niclas Fullkrug, with Gundogan as the beating heart in the midfield.
Being praised by pundits, teammates, and his coach, it might take some time as well for Gundogan to secure his position and keep the fans' appreciation alive.
But a starting point has been set as Nagelsmann's first action as the national coach was a call to Gundogan, assuring him that he will be the captain. ■
