VfB Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling on his Germany debut: “I found out this morning that I was starting. Of course I was nervous”

Speaking in the mixed zone (via Sky Germany) after Germany’s 1-0 win against the Netherlands, goalscorer Jamie Leweling of VfB Stuttgart spoke on his debut for the national team.

The 23-year-old thought he had opened the scoring within two minutes when he beat Bart Verbruggen but Serge Gnabry was offside in the build-up, so the goal was chalked off. However, just after the hour mark, Leweling would get his debut goal before being subbed off in the 87th minute. 

Leweling was a surprise start for Germany as Stuttgart teammate Deniz Undav was injured ahead of the game. On finding out he would start against the Netherlands, Leweling said: 

“I found out this morning that I was starting. Of course I was nervous. But in the end it’s football, 11 against 11. On the pitch the nervousness was gone. I’m very happy.”

The winger was also eligible to play for Ghana through his father but chose to play for Germany. On his decision, Leweling said: 

“Quite simply: because I was born and grew up here. I am German!”

Leweling was a late call-up to the squad following the injury to Jamal Musiala but his performance in Munich last night staked his claim that he could be a useful addition to the squad in the future as he offered something different to the attack alongside Florian Wirtz, Serge Gnabry and Tim Kleindienst. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan