Neuer comeback? Matthäus picks Baumann as Germany’s number one goalkeeper | OneFootball

Oliver Baumann defies the goalkeeper debate surrounding Manuel Neuer and Marc-André ter Stegen with a strong performance. In Germany’s 1–0 win in Northern Ireland, the Hoffenheim keeper impressed across the board — and received prominent backing.

In his Sky column, Lothar Matthäus has put an end to the goalkeeper question in the DFB team. “At the moment there is no goalkeeper discussion, because Baumann will remain the number one in the German goal until the end of the year and perhaps, if he doesn’t get injured, through to the World Cup,” the 64-year-old writes.

Baumann shone in the important away win in Belfast with several strong saves. The 35-year-old showed nerves of steel, composure, and remained unimpressed by the ongoing discussions about a possible return of Manuel Neuer.

National coach Julian Nagelsmann expressly praised his goalkeeper after the match: “He was there when we needed him. Oliver brings calm, even if the whole issue around the number one certainly doesn’t pass him by completely.”

Matthäus: “Nagelsmann doesn’t need to worry”

For Matthäus, the situation in goal is clear. “Baumann played a very good game in Northern Ireland and saved the German team from conceding several times,” summarized the 1990 World Cup–winning captain. “Therefore it is completely normal that the national coach is backing him.”

Looking ahead to the coming months, the record international also sees no reason for changes: “What happens in eight months, when Marc-André ter Stegen returns — Nagelsmann isn’t worrying about that now.” At present, Matthäus continued, the national coach “doesn’t need to think about ter Stegen or Manuel Neuer. In Baumann he has a number one he trusts.”

This seems to have ended the goalkeeper debate that has been simmering for months, at least for now. Baumann, who had already impressed with consistent performances in September, has consolidated his place in the DFB goal for the time being — and is likely to keep it until World Cup preparations if his form continues.

Bayern bloc as the foundation of success

Photo: IMAGO

In addition to Baumann’s performance, Matthäus also focused on the so-called “Bayern bloc.” In the 1–0 win in Belfast, five players from the record champions started: Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Serge Gnabry.

“When there was a Bayern bloc in the past, the DFB team was usually successful at tournaments,” emphasized the TV expert. According to Matthäus, the national coach can rely on that in the future because the Bayern players use the same system at their club: “It’s understandable that Nagelsmann trusts the 4-2-3-1 formation, because his Bayern players know and have internalized this system.”

Matthäus, however, was critical of the attack. “Of Germany’s eight goals in World Cup qualifying, five came from set pieces. From open play, the team creates too few chances,” said the 64-year-old. He still sees “a bit of creative quality” missing, which could come with the return of Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz once both are fit again.

Despite the attacking issues, Matthäus draws a positive interim conclusion: “The wins against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland are the games you have to win to qualify for a major tournament. Such victories can do something for a team.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.