Six Borussen have been named in Germany coach Joachim Löw’s preliminary 30-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil. A pleasant surprise is the call-up of Erik Durm.

“I learned about my call-up from the Bundestrainer last night. I’m of course hugely surprised and delighted,” said the 21-year-old Borussia Dortmund defender, adding: “It’s a great honour for me to be included, and it’s the greatest honour to represent my country. I want to show the best of myself in every training session, and prove that the Bundestrainer was right to call me up for the preliminary squad.”

In addition to Durm, Joachim Löw also included goal-keeper Roman Weidenfeller, all-round player Kevin Grosskreutz, the defenders Mats Hummels and Marcel Schmelzer as well as attacking player Marco Reus in his preliminary squad which will be reduced to 23 players by June 2 for the final list.

Jürgen Klopp was told about the call-ups two days ago. The BVB coach said on Erik Durm’s inclusion: “I don’t think he was called up too soon. It’s simply a result of his performances and quality at the moment.” Overall, Klopp felt that the six call ups “are a great sign for the development at BVB. Germany, a great football nation, travel to Brazil and six of our lads have a chance to be there. That fills us with pride.”

He also said that he was not surprised that Kevin Grosskreutz has been named into the squad. “We’ve seen on a number of occasions that he’s able to play at an extremely high level. When the Bundestrainer has a player among the 23 who can play in six positions, you are at 29…”

As one of three goalkeepers selected, Roman Weidenfeller has already secured his spot in the final squad. “He has fully deserved this call-up,” said Klopp. “The Bundestrainer knows that he can always bring him on if needed.”