Germany has plenty of young talent waiting for an opportunity, but Marc-André ter Stegen believes there is still an important role for experience as the national team looks to get back on track.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper acknowledged that Germany has not been performing at the expected level recently, understanding why supporters and pundits are calling for a greater emphasis on younger players. However, he also cautioned against overlooking the value of experienced internationals, particularly when
results are not going their way.
“We have not exactly been at our best with the German national team lately. Then a lot of people are quick to demand: We need to bring in new players, all the young ones have to come in! I think that is fundamentally good and right,” Ter Stegen explained (as captured by Sky Germany).
“But there will also be difficult moments, and then experience will be important.”
It is a reasonable argument, particularly with Jürgen Klopp continuing to shape his Germany squad and introduce new faces. Youth and fresh energy are important, but international football is unforgiving, and having experienced players who understand the pressure of major tournaments can make a significant difference.
Germany needs to find the right balance rather than assuming that a complete youth movement is automatically the answer.
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