Germany boss singles out Kleindienst for praise after Italy draw

Rudi Völler had special praise for Tim Kleindienst after Germany’s 3-3 draw with Italy.

Tim Kleindienst got on the scoresheet in both games as Germany advanced to the UEFA Nations League semi-finals with a 5-4 aggregate win over Italy.

Speaking after Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Italy, German Football Association sporting director Rudi Völler was full of praise for the Borussia Mönchengladbach striker – and not just because he scored.

“I immediately congratulated Tim again,” Völler said in a post-match interview.

“It’s always easy to say that when you score a goal, you’ve done your job as a striker. 

“But the way he held the ball up is also important. And he already showed his heading ability in the first leg,” said Völler.

Kleindienst only made his international debut in October, and it’s safe to say he’s enjoying being a German international.

“It was unbelievably fun,” Kleindienst said of the first half, which saw Germany lead 3-0.

“Everything clicked.”

Kleindienst has now scored four goals in six appearances for Germany.