Mats Hummels has shaped German football for the last decade – Neven Subotic

Former Borussia Dortmund centre back Neven Subotic has heaped praise on his ex-defensive partner Mats Hummels.

Neven Subotic and Mats Hummels formed one of Europe’s most formidable defensive partnerships when they were together at Borussia Dortmund. The duo helped the Black and Yellows win two Bundesliga titles, as well as the DFB Pokal, and also played a vital role in the run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2013. 1Subotic, who now plays for Turkish side Denizlispor, spoke about his former defensive partner in the latest episode of Sky Sport’s Stars of the Bundesliga series.

Subotic heaped praise on Hummels, and said that he wishes the Borussia Dortmund vice-captain can win another Bundesliga title with Der BVB. Speaking to Sky, Subotic said (H/T: Ruhr Nachrichten):

"“He has shaped German soccer over the last decade and will continue to shape it for years to come. I definitely wish for him to win another title. With a bit of luck, it’s possible to beat the Bavarians again this season, not only in the game but also at the end of the season. And I would wish him that with all my heart.”"

Subotic also spoke about his partnership with Hummels at Borussia Dortmund, and why the latter’s ‘Bavarian self-confidence’ helped it blossom. “Mats’ approach with this Bavarian self-confidence – maybe even arrogance – without questioning himself, was very valuable. He really did everything with great confidence right from the start.”

The episode also touched on Germany head coach Joachim Löw’s decision to no longer consider Hummels, as well as Thomas Müller and Jerome Boateng, for national team selection in March 2019. Mats’ father Hermann Hummels spoke about his son’s reaction to Löw’s decision, and how it affected him.

"“He called relatively quickly after training – and that normally doesn’t bode well. And I ask: Are you hurt? And he says: ‘It’s worse’. You can’t imagine how serious such news is that you should no longer play for the national team”."

Hummels, who was at Bayern Munich at the time, returned to Borussia Dortmund in the following summer and has been one of the Bundesliga’s best defenders over the last 18 months. Recently there have been calls for Hummels to be brought back into the national team fold, but Joachim Löw ruled out a return for the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner earlier this week.