Philipp Max (l.) played the full 90 minutes for Augsburg against Leipzig on Matchday 22. - © © gettyimages / Robert Michael
Philipp Max (l.) played the full 90 minutes for Augsburg against Leipzig on Matchday 22. - © © gettyimages / Robert Michael

Augsburg's Philipp Max "more than keen" to receive Germany World Cup nomination

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Philipp Max's consistently top-class performances for Augsburg this season have thrust him into the limelight as a leading candidate to be included in Germany's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia this summer – and the idea has not gone unnoticed by the player himself.

The left-back has provided more assists (10) than anyone else in the Bundesliga in 2017/18 and has also contributed one goal as a cornerstone of an Augsburg side that has surprised onlookers thus far by pushing for a European qualifying spot.

Watch: Max gives his thoughts on his World Cup prospects

Asked about his potential inclusion in Joachim Löw's World Cup squad after Augsburg's 2-0 defeat away to RB Leipzig in the Matchday 22 curtain-raiser on Friday evening, the 24-year-old said: "Obviously being at a tournament like that is the biggest thing you can achieve as a professional footballer. It's every child's dream in Germany to play football and that's understandable. As I said, I'm more than keen!"

Max was part of the Germany team that won a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games, but he is as yet uncapped at senior international level. The left-back position has proved something of a headache for Die Nationalmannschaft in recent years, with Cologne's Jonas Hector playing in the role until his recent injury, while Hertha Berlin's Marvin Plattenhardt has also been tested there.

Max will not have to wait much longer to find out if he is on Löw's radar, as Germany's next fixtures - friendlies against Spain and Brazil - are scheduled for the end of March.

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