Jonas Urbig may still be waiting for his opportunity to become Bayern Munich’s No. 1 goalkeeper, but one of Germany’s most decorated footballers believes the young goalkeeper could have a very bright future ahead of him.
In a guest article for Bild (as captured by Tz), Germany legend Lothar Matthäus once again heaped praise on Urbig following his recent appearances for the national team under Jürgen Klopp. Matthäus went as far as comparing the Bayern goalkeeper to one of the greatest players ever
to occupy the position.
“After his two appearances under Klopp, I see Jonas Urbig as a serious challenger,” Matthäus wrote.
That was only the beginning of the praise.
“His build-up play, his movements, his saves, and how he intercepts crosses – I thought I saw the young Manuel Neuer there.”
That is quite the comparison, particularly considering the player who currently stands between Urbig and a regular starting role at Bayern.
Manuel Neuer, now 40 years old, remains Bayern’s first-choice goalkeeper, although the club has been gradually preparing Urbig for a larger role. The expectation is that Urbig will eventually inherit the position, assuming his development continues as planned.
Matthäus believes Urbig could also force his way into the conversation with the German national team sooner rather than later.
“If he gets more playing time at Bayern under Kompany, there could be a competition with ter Stegen until the European Championship,” Matthäus added.
For Bayern Munich, that is the ideal scenario. Urbig needs minutes, Neuer provides experience, and the club can continue developing its potential successor without rushing him into the spotlight.
If Matthäus is right, Bayern Munich may already have the next great German goalkeeper sitting on its bench.
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