Waldemar Anton

Waldemar Anton is a composed, left-footed central defender who built his reputation through consistent Bundesliga performances at Stuttgart before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2022. Comfortable in possession and disciplined positionally, he suits the ball-playing defensive style Julian Nagelsmann prefers. Born in Russia to ethnic German parents, he represents the kind of reliable, unfussy centre-back that tournament football requires — not a headline name but a player whose absence tends to be felt more than his presence. His ability to partner different types of defenders gives Germany flexibility in how they set up their backline.