Daniel Farke says Anton Stach's return to the international fold is reward for the way he quickly adapted to English football and his versatility at Leeds United as Dominic Calvert-Lewin waits to see if he too will be handed a second chance.
Whilst the likes of Wales, Sweden and the Irish sides are playing World Cup play-offs, for the likes of Germany and England the final international break this season is an important part of their preparations for the tournament in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
Four years after his first two Germany caps, midfielder Stach's call-up for friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana is a surprise given coach Julian Nagelsmann's critique of him earlier this month.
"He’s not exceptionally strong in the air and not top in recoveries either," said Nagelsmann. "In my view, his best position at Hoffenheim was the central role in a back three.”
Given Stach has increasingly been used as an inside-right in Leeds' 3-4-2-1 by their German manager Farke, the news was something of a surprise, especially with Nagelsmann saying his "defensive profile" meant he could slot straight into the XI.
Farke, though, felt it was fair recognition of the 27-year-old's debut season in English football.
"It's well-deserved because Anton plays in the best league in the world with unbelievable consistency,” said Farke. "His data is on a top level, he has played and adapted to English football more or less from the first day.
"His all-round game is very important for us in terms of winning balls, against the ball, he always puts a shift in and covers lots of distance, wins many duels.
NATIONAL CALL: Anton Stach (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
NATIONAL CALL: Anton Stach (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
"He has shown great quality in terms of taking set-pieces, he has delivered goals, assists, he has inspired our offensive game, he has also proven he is versatile, can play in a deeper role, can even play a bit like a wide No10.
"One thing I can guarantee is Julian will get a top-class character, a top guy and a guy who will travel with confidence."
Calvert-Lewin will also be hoping to get the call for England's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan when Thomas Tuchel names his squad on Friday morning, but his manager downplayed expectations.
Asked if he would be "shocked" were the Sheffielder overlooked, Farke replied: "Not shocked because it would be a positive surprise because he was not involved in recent years but he has played a fantastic season so far," said Farke.
DESERVED: Daniel Farke was pleased at Stach's recognition (Image: Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
DESERVED: Daniel Farke was pleased at Stach's recognition (Image: Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
Noah Okafor is in team training after a hip injury, giving Leeds a clean bill of health before Saturday's league game at home to Brentford. They will be without the suspended Gabriel Gudmundsson.
Brentford's Igor Thiago was another celebrating this week after his first Brazil call-up.
In December Leeds became only the second team to deny him a touch inside their penalty area.
"If you have a goalscorer who is only on 19 goals (this season) of course it's one key topic to make sure that he is not a factor in this game but just to concentrate on him won't be enough," said Farke.
"They are strong in set-pieces, they are strong in counter-attacks and of course one topic is definitely to control him but also all the other threats that they offer."