Manuel Neuer has been a permanent number one in the box for both FC Bayern and the German national team for over ten years. Lothar Matthäus is certain that Neuer could soon be replaced by Alexander Nübel.
Manuel Neuer, one of the best goalkeepers of all time, is a permanent fixture in goal for FC Bayern and the German national team. But it remains to be seen how long the 38-year-old will continue to play. For Lothar Matthäus, the perfect replacement in Alexander Nübel is already under contract with Bayern: „However, should things slowly come to an end in around two years, Nübel is a great number one,“ wrote the expert in his column on Sky.
The background to this opinion is the unusual slip-ups that Neuer and his replacement in the DFB team, ter Stegen, made last season. In the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, for example, Neuer let a ball bounce just before the end, which led to the equaliser. He also made a few mistakes in Bayern’s final game of the season against Hoffenheim.
Nübel’s development in Stuttgart
Alexander Nübel has developed consistently over the past few years. Even during his loan spell at AS Monaco, he was repeatedly praised for his strong performances. Last season, he matured so much at VfB Stuttgart that national coach Julian Nagelsmann decided to take him to the European Championships.
Bayern extended his contract and loaned him to the Swabians for a further two years. However, Bayern can also bring him back after the coming season if Neuer ends his career.
Matthäus is assuming that Nübel will stay in Stuttgart for another two years. If he then returns, he would stand between the Munich posts. Nübel will therefore continue to get match practice over the next two years. This is probably why Matthäus believes „that he will be the future both at Bayern and in the national team.“
