Julian Nagelsmann is facing a dilemma—but it's the kind every national team coach dreams of. Just six months ago, a spot at the 2026 World Cup seemed out of reach for one attacking midfielder. Now, he's making an undeniable case for himself.

Paul Nebel's resurgence has been one of the most compelling storylines of the Bundesliga season. After a disastrous first half, the 23-year-old Mainz 05 star has transformed into a player who demands attention—and that includes from the man in charge of Germany's national team.

So what changed? Quite a bit, actually. When Urs Fischer took over at Mainz on December 7, he brought a new 5-3-2 system that breathed life into Nebel's game. By late February, with teammate Nadim Amiri sidelined by injury, Nebel had fully seized control of the midfield.

"I've felt very comfortable on the pitch in the last few games," Nebel told the club's media team in March. "I can move into the half-spaces, drift out wide, deliver crosses, and take on defenders one-on-one."

The numbers back him up. Since February 28, Nebel has racked up three assists and four goals in just eleven appearances. To put that in perspective, he managed only two goal contributions in 23 matches before that. The turnaround is nothing short of remarkable.

Nebel credits much of his revival to a mental coach—a resource more players are turning to in today's high-pressure game. "That helps me look at things from a different perspective, process them, and not let them affect me so much," he explained. "It allows me to come out of situations like that even stronger."

But is a strong second half enough to earn a World Cup ticket? Realistically, Nebel would likely start on the bench. The No. 10 role is currently locked down by Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz—two of Germany's brightest stars. However, games are rarely decided by the starting eleven alone.

Coming off the bench, Nebel could be exactly the spark Germany needs in tight moments. Much like Musiala, he offers creativity, dribbling, and the ability to change a game in an instant. For a team chasing World Cup glory, depth like that isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity.