Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich rapid rise continues as he matches Franz Beckenbauer’s milestone for German national side
The 22-year-old started and finished his 21st consecutive cap for the World Cup champions against Norway on Monday night
JOSHUA KIMMICH'S rapid rise for Germany continues as he matches Franz Beckenbauer's 44-year-old record for the national side.
The Bayern Munich man started and finished his 21st appearance for the World Cup champions in their 6-0 drubbing against Norway on Monday evening.
Beckenbauer racked up the number between 1973-1975, but Kimmich still has 13 games to go until he equals Berti Vogts' 34 consecutive fixtures he made between 1968-1971.
The midfielder/defender has become an integral part of the side under Joachim Low, who deployed him as right-back during Euro 16, and has stayed in the starting XI since.
Speaking after the drubbing at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, he said: "It was a fantastic evening and a brilliant atmosphere.
"It was a fitting performance."
He often draws comparison to former team-mate Philipp Lahm, but Kimmich insists he is not a clone of the legendary full-back.
The ex-RB Leipzig ace added: "Philipp enjoyed a perfect career, you can never replace a player like that like-for-like, but it's also important for me to go my own way.
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"I don't want people to see me as a Philipp Lahm clone. I want to do things as Joshua Kimmich."
Low - who gave the youngster his debut against Slovakia in May 2016 - waxed lyrical over the talent, citing his hunger and desire as key reasons why he is so raved about.
He said: "Joshua is one of the biggest talents I have seen over the past 10 years or so.
"He has a certain hunger and desire, he wants to be on top of his game in every single training session.
"I think he can have a huge career."
And at the tender age of 22 he certainly has a lot of winners medals in his trophy cabinet.
As well as being a key part of the squad that won the Confederations Cup in the summer, he is also a two-time Bundesliga champion, a DFB-Pokal winner and helped Germany lift the Euro Under-19 title in 2014.