Kimmich hails Brown and Nmecha, warns over Ivory Coast's "exceptional" Diomande

The German skipper was full of praise for two of his teammates and issued a warning to the squad ahead of a clash with Ivory Coast's RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.

Photo: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images.

Germany national team star Joshua Kimmich has praised both Nathaniel Brown and Felix Nmecha ahead of their next Group E game against Côte d'Ivoire. 

“Generally he's [Brown] a very quiet guy off the pitch. He's always in a group with Assan and Pavlo. On the pitch he's very brave and brings his qualities," he said at a press conference.

“He hasn't asked me yet about FC Bayern. But I'm happy that we have him here. He played a great game on Sunday with a goal and an assist,” he added, before moving onto Nmecha.

“I already said before the tournament that he is one of the most talented players we have. He is very fast, robust, and his goal [against Curaçao] was exceptional. 

“He also had many other notable moments in the game. He gives us a lot and can also defend well,” the German captain said of the Dortmund midfielder.

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old kept an eye on their upcoming opposition. One familiar name in the Ivorian ranks is Yan Diomande, whom Kimmich highlighted as a serious threat. 

“A year ago, hardly anyone knew him. He's had a great season, even though RB Leipzig had a few problems. His dribbling is exceptional, a bit like Kingsley Coman at Bayern back in the day.

“He's got incredible pace. But there are other good players we have to prepare for. They have spectacular attacking players,” he concluded, ahead of this Saturday's 21:00 CET showdown.