The German national side have arguably one of the best squads in the world and that in itself might be taking a toll on some players. One such player who is feeling the crunch of being in one of the best national teams in the world is Marc Andre ter Stegen.
The Barcelona goalie has been right on top of his game in the past 36 months or so and has yet found it difficult to come out on top in the battle with Manuel Neuer for the first-choice goalkeeper position. The Mirror understands that the shot-stopper is contemplating his future with Joachim Low in charge.
The recent international break has turned out to be extremely frustrating for Marc, who has seemingly reached his boiling point. Joachim Low preferred Neuer in both of Germany’s games against the Netherlands and Nothern Ireland. It was expected that the Bayern Munich goalie would be dropped to the bench after letting in four goals against the Netherlands.
However, nothing of that sort happened, and Marc was on the bench for both the fixtures. It is particularly humiliating and insulting for Ter Stegen because he has proved every critic wrong in the past two years or so with some breath-taking performances.
The player’s performances have been well recognised by the global audience. Ter Stegen has been nominated for the FIFPro World Eleven and was also named one of the top three goalkeepers of the year which have no mention of current Germany number one, Manuel Neuer.
Ter Stegen recently spoke about his disappointments and even vented out his frustration. The player has been quoted saying –
“It is not easy to find an explanation as I am giving the best account of myself in each game to make the decision more difficult.
I am trying [to become first-choice] anyway. But this trip with the national team has been a tough blow for me.”
The 4th Official lists out what could be possibly done about the situation.
Ter Stegen Needs To Stay Calm and Patient
Manuel Neuer has been around for quite some time and has proven his worthiness as top-level goalie way before the Barcelona goalie did. The Bayern ace has also won the FIFA World Cup with Germany in 2014 in Brazil. Neuer, therefore, deserves some respect and time for his accolades with Germany and with Bayern Munich.
Apart from that, Ter Stegen would be done no harm if he tries a bit more on replacing Neuer in the team. At 33, it’s only a matter of time before Neuer would himself step down from the responsibilities of the national team. At the same time, Ter Stegen has a good handful of years to prove himself as Germany’s number one goalie with the Barcelona goalie just being 27.
Go With the Flow
If Ter Stegen decides to hang up his boots for the German national side in haste, he would be making a very irrational decision which would make things worse for himself. Many would see this decision as a lack of respect for the German national team.
Even if the shot-stopper wishes to make a return following a hasty decision, it would be seriously debatable if the Barcelona star would be welcomed back with open arms. Besides, Bernd Leno, who is currently the third choice, would benefit the most from Ter Stegen’s moment of madness. So it would be best advisable for the Barcelona number one to take things one day at a time with the national team.
The Summary
No doubt it’s frustrating to be in Marc’s place. However, such crucial decisions should not be taken in haste and under the influence of others’ thoughts. It would be best if Ter Stegen gives it another shot before making his final call.
