Assan Ouedraogo (RB Leipzig)

Ouedraogo has also been beset by injuries since switching from Schalke to RB Leipzig in July 2024, but established himself in the starting XI at the start of the 2025/26 season, scoring three goals and providing the same number of assists in his first 12 Bundesliga appearances this season. He earned his first call-up for the World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia in November, and promptly opened his goalscoring account on his debut against the Slovaks.

The central midfielder is known for his physicality, dribbling ability and goalscoring threat, attributes that have certainly not gone unnoticed by Nagelsmann: “He has very good pace and a great physique, but he also poses a threat in front of goal with intelligent finishes – rarely with brute force, more with precision,” said the coach.

In mid-January, however, Ouedraogo suffered another knee injury and is expected to miss the two international matches in March. As a result, his chances of securing a place in the World Cup squad have likely taken a hit.