Ter Stegen's dream comes true: Germany's No 1 after Neuer retires | OneFootball

Marc-André ter Stegen is on the verge of achieving one of the biggest goals of his career. After going through a difficult spell at Barcelona, losing his starting spot, and moving on loan to Ajax, the German goalkeeper now finally appears to have the chance to become Germany’s number one.

The serious injury he suffered two years ago completely changed his situation at the Catalan club. Ter Stegen stopped being the undisputed starter he had been for years and, with Hansi Flick’s arrival on the bench, he was also unable to fully win back his place.

Now, his move to Ajax could have been the step he needed to prove his level again.

Ajax gave him back his minutes

Ter Stegen joined the Amsterdam side on loan this summer, reuniting with Míchel, who opened the door to a starting role for him once again.

The goalkeeper has already made five appearances for Ajax, conceding six goals and keeping two clean sheets. The loan had a clear objective: to regain rhythm and prominence after a period marked by injuries and a lack of continuity.

And the timing could not be better.

Neuer’s retirement opens the door

According to information from Bild, Jürgen Klopp has reportedly decided to make Ter Stegen Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper in the upcoming UEFA Nations League.

Manuel Neuer’s retirement from the Mannschaft leaves vacant a position that for years seemed practically reserved for the legendary Bayern Munich goalkeeper.

Ter Stegen had been waiting a long time for an opportunity of this magnitude with his national team. Despite his outstanding club career, he never managed to establish himself as Germany’s undisputed starter, mainly because of Neuer’s presence.

Now, the situation has changed.

From losing his place at Barcelona to leading Germany

Ter Stegen’s story has taken a major turn in just a few years. At Barcelona, he became one of the standout figures in goal and is one of only three goalkeepers to have won the Champions League with the Catalan club, alongside Andoni Zubizarreta and Víctor Valdés.

However, a serious injury ended up changing his situation and ultimately led to his temporary departure from the team.

His spell at Ajax allowed him to regain playing time and now, with Neuer out of the national team, Ter Stegen is just one step away from fulfilling the dream of becoming Germany’s starting goalkeeper.

After waiting for years, the opportunity finally seems to have arrived.

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