With the World Cup less than two months away, a small percentage of Germany’s squad picks itself but there’s still plenty of places up for grabs in Hansi Flick’s 26-man squad. Worrying performances against Hungary and England during the September international break has produced urgent issues that Flick and his team must address in the coming months. Part of a series looking at the contenders for every position in Die Mannschaft’s squad, here are Flick’s goalkeeping options. Have your say in the poll below – who would you take to Qatar?
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, 36) – Let’s be honest, unless Manuel Neuer is injured or tests positive for Covid-19 again, the Bayern Munich stopper will remain Flick’s undisputed No. 1. The 36-year-old withdrew from the latest squad after testing positive for Covid-19 but will start against Japan on November 23. As captain, Neuer is a massive influence in the dressing room and since his debut in June 2009 under Joachim Löw, has represented Germany 113 times. With a contract at Bayern until 2024, this could be his last major tournament.
Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona, 30) – With five clean sheets in six La Liga games for Barcelona this season, ter Stegen is unlucky to be entering his prime during a time when Neuer has dominated for so long. In goal against Hungary and England, ter Stegen showcased his abilities with spectacular displays despite what the scoreline may suggest. Flick’s second choice ‘keeper, ter Stegen will have a chance to become Neuer’s successor, eventually.
Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt, 32) – Despite just six Germany caps, Trapp offers good competition. Apart from a spell at PSG between 2012 and 2015, Trapp has almost been ever-present at Eintracht Frankfurt after coming through Kaiserslautern’s youth teams. His performances last season for Die Adler were instrumental in their Europa League triumph. Oliver Glasner masterminded his way past Barcelona and West Ham to take SGE to a European final for the first time since 1980 and winning the competition with help from Trapp.
Bernd Leno (Fulham, 30) – Displaced by Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal, it was imperative that Leno left Mikel Arteta’s side to improve his chances of making Flick’s Germany squad. A move to Marco Silva’s Fulham was designed to reignite hopes of Leno making the 26-man squad as Flick’s third choice ‘keeper but his spell away from the first team has seen him ousted by Trapp.
Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim, 32) – When Neuer tested positive for Covid-19, Hoffenheim’s Baumann was called upon by Flick. Yet to make his debut for Germany, being a member of the squad for the September fixtures would have been an experience. With 400 Bundesliga for Freiburg and Hoffenheim combined and 100 clean sheets, Baumann has been one of Germany’s most consistent and reliant performers over the last 12 years.
Select your three keepers:
GGFN
