Best 15Germanyof the 2010s

The defining goalkeeper of the decade, Neuer combined elite shot-stopping with revolutionary sweeping and distribution. He was Germany's undisputed starter at all three World Cups and won the 2014 Golden Glove.

Germany's tactically flawless captain and a world-class full-back who could also dominate midfield. He played every minute of the victorious 2014 campaign before retiring internationally.

One of the decade's finest passers and midfield controllers. Kroos was pivotal to the 2014 title and scored twice during Germany's historic 7-1 semi-final victory over Brazil.

Germany's most productive World Cup attacker of the decade, recording ten goals and six assists across 2010 and 2014. He won the 2010 Golden Boot and was indispensable to the 2014 champions.

The emotional and competitive leader of Germany's midfield. Outstanding in 2010 and heroic in the 2014 final, he supplied control, physical authority and leadership in decisive matches.

Germany's premier creator for most of the decade. Özil starred in the 2010 breakthrough side, remained influential during the 2014 triumph and started at three consecutive World Cups.

A powerful and technically accomplished defender who started the 2014 final and became one of the world's leading centre-backs during the middle of the decade.

An elegant, commanding centre-back whose anticipation and progressive passing were central to Germany's 2014 title. He scored twice in that tournament, including the quarter-final winner against France.

One of Germany's most gifted attackers of the decade. Injuries ruled him out of 2014, but he remained eligible through the 2018 squad and scored against Sweden at that tournament.

A supreme tournament striker who scored four times in 2010 and twice in 2014. He became the World Cup's all-time leading scorer and finished his international career as a world champion.

Although his only World Cup of the decade was Germany's unsuccessful 2018 campaign, Kimmich was already an elite, versatile playmaker from right-back or midfield.

A technically exceptional attacking midfielder at his early-decade peak. His extra-time goal against Argentina won the 2014 World Cup and guaranteed his place in German football history.

A powerful box-to-box midfielder who balanced Germany's creative players with pressing and intelligent forward runs. He was a regular across all three World Cups and a 2014 champion.

A high-impact member of the 2014 champions who produced three goals and three assists as a substitute, including the cross for Götze's World Cup-winning goal.

A direct, explosive forward with one of the decade's most powerful left-footed shots. He was an important starter in 2010 and an experienced squad figure during the 2014 triumph.