Germany takes on the Netherlands on September 24th to begin its Nations League group stage campaign — and usher in the new Jürgen Klopp era. Standing between the sticks, at long last, will be Marc-André ter Stegen.
Long in Manuel Neuer’s shadow in the national team picture, Ter Stegen saw his chance vanish with injury during World Cup qualifying and subsequently Neuer’s return for the tournament itself. Now Neuer is retired, Oliver Baumann’s time appears to be over, and Ter Stegen — still under contract
at FC Barcelona but playing this season on loan at Ajax — is finally back in the limelight.
At least for now.
“Yes, for the moment, Marc-André ter Stegen is number 1,” Klopp confirmed in a press conference this week (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “He will start the first game. A team needs stability and a core, and then you can surround that with plenty of young players.
“I’ve known Marc for ages. Manuel Neuer was the best goalkeeper in the world for a long time. Nevertheless, everyone knew that Ter Stegen was world-class too. He then suffered an injury at an unfortunate time. At the moment, he is fit and is the same goalkeeper he was before. He brings experience with him. He is making a very good impression at Ajax. Everything depends on how he will perform.”
BFW Analysis
This is going to be an intriguing international period for Germany, to say the least. New coach, new format, four games, and two whole separate squads to split between them. It’s hard to tell what to make of any of the call-ups. Klopp is trying to get a look at as many players as he can, and that just doesn’t reveal much about how settled any particular position is.
Including goalkeeper. Ter Stegen might have the role locked down now, but several factors point against him keeping it. He’ll be 36 by the time EURO 2028 rolls around, which is hardly a barrier for his position but far past spring chicken territory also. That’s also the year his Barça contract expires, and it is hardly a good sign that he is already looking well on his way out.
Then there’s the matter of his injury history, which has played a role in both some of his unfortunate Germany missed opportunities as well as the loss of his club spot.
All that said, it does make some sense that it is his position to lose. There’s an all-out brawl brewing for the future of the Germany GK position, post-Manuel Neuer. The remaining contenders include Bayern’s Jonas Urbig, who hasn’t yet taken the mantle in Bavaria but is expected to be just about to. Noah Atubolu is young and in the midst of moving clubs, from SC Freiburg to Eintracht Frankfurt. And Augsburg’s Finn Dahmen is a relative unknown on the international stage.
It’s very possible one of those three will be the man by the summer of 2028. And it would be fitting that they have to take the job from Ter Stegen first. Stability and core — then the contest for the future of Germany’s #1 shirt.
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