Captaincy at RB as motivation for space

David Raum sees himself as the new captain of RB Leipzig with even more responsibility for the national soccer team. "It's good to get such confirmation at the club. It's my fourth year at Leipzig and the fact that I can lead the way as captain is a huge compliment. I'm happy that I'm allowed to lead the way, I'm growing in the role. I try to arrive here with that, try to give energy," said the 27-year-old at the DFB squad's team headquarters in Herzogenaurach.

Raum does not want to get involved in the discussions about problems in the full-back positions. "I try to stick to myself. I believe in myself, I believe in my abilities. I know how I can help, not just at the club, but also in the national team," he said.

Brown as new competitor

For the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland, national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided not to call up Maximilian Mittelstädt from VfB Stuttgart for his left-back position and has instead called up a newcomer in Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Raum is therefore the logical starting eleven player and relies on physicality and mentality as his strengths. "I believe that I deserve to be here thanks to my good performances at the club at the moment and my new role, which I'm fulfilling quite well at the club. I'm looking after myself," he said. With 30 caps so far, he is the defensive player with the second-most DFB appearances in the current squad behind Jonathan Tah (39 caps).

Club colleague Ridle Baku, who could play for the national team again for the first time in four years, has made four appearances so far and, according to Raum, totally deserves the new chance to prove himself as a counterpart on the right side of defense. "You can rely on him. He's a hard-working boy. He's worked his way up through the ranks, through performance at the club, he gives his all and contributes well. He can also help here in the national team," said Raum.