Following his outstanding display against Lazio in the Champions League Round of 16, the emergence of Bayern Munich’s rising star Aleksandar Pavlović has garnered significant attention within the footballing community. Acknowledged for his exceptional midfield prowess, Pavlović is increasingly being regarded as the potential successor to Thiago Alcântara within Bayern’s midfield ranks. His emergence signals the arrival of yet another promising talent for Germany’s footballing future.
However, Julian Nagelsmann, the coach of Bayern Munich, seems to have different plans regarding Pavlović’s immediate involvement in international football. Despite Pavlović’s burgeoning talent, Nagelsmann has opted not to include him in the upcoming national team squad for the March international break. This decision comes at a time when Germany finds itself in need of reinforcing its midfield options, prompting efforts to persuade Toni Kroos to return from international retirement for Euro 2024. Consequently, questions arise as to why Pavlović has not been considered for a call-up.
This decision has not gone unnoticed by Serbia, another potential destination for Pavlović at the international level. Reports indicate that Serbian officials have initiated discussions with Pavlović, presenting him with the opportunity to switch his international allegiance.
The possibility of Germany losing a promising talent like Pavlović is not unprecedented. Past instances, such as Josip Stanišić opting to represent Croatia despite being eligible for Germany, highlight the risks involved. Similarly, former Bayern youth player Kenan Yildiz, now with Juventus and Turkey, slipped through the German national team’s grasp.
Germany’s track record in attracting and retaining dual-national talent has been less than stellar. The case of Jamal Musiala, who opted to represent Germany over England, stands out, indicating a trend of missed opportunities. Given Pavlović’s commendable performances for Bayern Munich, a prompt call-up to the national team appears to be a logical decision, if only to integrate him into the team setup and secure his allegiance.