Who is Felix Keidel? New German National Team Call-Up Analyzed

SV Elversberg midfielder Felix Keidel stands as a notable surprise in Jürgen Klopp’s inaugural Germany squad. The 23-year-old, with just three Bundesliga appearances to his name and no prior national youth team experience, is reportedly set for his senior national team debut in the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

While his nomination might seem unexpected, those following Elversberg’s preseason would find it less so. Keidel was identified as a standout performer during the club's summer preparations before their first Bundesliga season.

Initially considered a capable full-back, Keidel transformed his standing by the end of preseason. He secured a central midfield position alongside Łukasz Poręba, addressing a key tactical need for the newly promoted side. Three league matches later, he is on the cusp of joining the senior German squad.

Felix Keidel's Football Journey

Born in Duisburg on June 14, 2003, Keidel developed through the ranks at FC Ingolstadt, following in the footsteps of his father, former Germany U21 international Ralf Keidel. He made his professional debut in February 2023, amassing 82 appearances and scoring twice in the 3. Liga.

He moved to Elversberg in the summer of 2025 for a reported €400,000. His first season in Saarland was inconsistent.

Keidel played 25 times in Elversberg's promotion-winning campaign, starting 13 league games, primarily as a right or left-back. However, all these starts occurred in the first half of the season. Jan Gyamerah later became the preferred option, leaving Keidel often on the bench in the second half of the season. He was even left out of the matchday squad twice during crucial promotion run-in matches. Still, he showed flashes of brilliance, scoring a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory against Karlsruhe in November 2025.

His more significant impact arrived the following summer.

Vincent Wagner Repositions Keidel

Keidel's shift to central midfield might appear a positional change, but coach Vincent Wagner views it differently.

“Felix Keidel is a central player,” Wagner stated before the Bundesliga opener. “He ended up at full-back at Ingolstadt as an alternative role, but fundamentally, he's a central midfielder. He’s simply returning to his natural position.”

An injury to Freddie Schmahl during preseason created an opening that Keidel quickly capitalized on. This development was already evident by the time SV Elversberg's tactical preview for the 2026/27 season was published.

Keidel impressed during the preseason, scoring a direct free-kick against Strasbourg, providing an assist against Lorient, and convincing Wagner that his stamina, tackling ability, and positional awareness could complement Poręba in midfield. The assessment then was clear: Keidel transitioned from a useful full-back to a potential Bundesliga starter.

Keidel's Stamina and Set-Piece Prowess

The initial weeks of the Bundesliga season have confirmed this assessment. Keidel averaged 12.18 kilometers in Elversberg's first three league matches, the highest in Wagner's squad and among the top figures in the league.

His coach emphasizes the importance of this physical capacity in the center of the park.

“We require immense running at this position, especially when we're pressing the opponent,” Wagner explained. “Felix possesses exceptional stamina and speed.”

Keidel offers more than just endurance. Wagner frequently praises his ambidexterity, passing range, and set-piece delivery. Keidel recorded two assists from corners last season and currently takes Elversberg's corner kicks.

He has already showcased this skill at the Bundesliga level.

With Elversberg trailing Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-2 earlier this month, Keidel scored an equalizing direct free-kick. The newly promoted team went on to secure a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory. The match and Wagner's comments on Elversberg's resilient mentality were highlighted.

What Attracts Jürgen Klopp to Keidel?

Keidel's versatility is a clear advantage. He can play in defense on either flank and in various central midfield roles. His running ability is valuable for pressing and transitions, and his set-piece expertise adds another dimension.

More significantly, his early Bundesliga performances suggest he is now consolidating qualities that were previously spread across different positions. Just months ago, Keidel had lost his starting place in the 2. Bundesliga, fighting to establish himself in Elversberg’s top-flight squad.

He won that battle.

Now, after three top-flight matches, Jürgen Klopp appears ready to give him a closer look.

GGFN | Peter Weis