Arsenal keeper Karl Hein makes strong claim for starting spot in Werder Bremen debut | OneFootball

Despite the fact that his team lost by four goals, Werder Bremen keeper Karl Hein earned Get German Football Newsman-of-the-match honors in last night’s Bundesliga fixture against Bayern Munich. The Arsenal loanee couldn’t prevent Bayern from rolling over his side 4-0, yet did prevent a much worse blowout with several stellar saves. The Estonian national team keeper also appeared very composed with the ball at his feet.

Ever since he joined the Werder goalkeeping fray, the possibility that Hein might displace the young and inexperienced Mio Backhaus existed. Hein may receive a chance at a more prolonged audition as it remains unclear how long Backhaus’ shoulder injury will keep Bremen’s current No. 1 sidelined. Bremen head coach Horst Steffen certainly found himself impressed with Hein’s debut.

“He [Hein] put in a good performance and didn’t let himself get stressed when in possession,” Steffen noted as last night’s post-match press conference. “That’s quite an achievement. In that respect, he stood his ground. He showed why we signed him. We do have a clear No. 1 and won’t change keepers after just one match, but the prognosis is that Mio will miss the next few games.“

“I’m just here to do my job,” Hein himself remarked in the mixed zone when asked if he felt any pressure ahead of his first Bundesliga start, adding: “I absolutely love playing in stadiums like this in the Bundesliga. I dreamed of this as a little Estonian boy. The quality here is extraordinary. This was a very special day for me.

”I don’t think on can always have a clear No. 1 and No. 2 in football,” Hein said when asked about future competition with Backhaus. “We’re a couple of young guys eager to further our careers, and I respect Mio. I’m just here for the team.“

GGFN | Peter Weis