Leading into Barcelona's Clasico clash with Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey at the end of last month, Marc-Andre ter Stegen had already proven himself an indispensable cog in the Catalan machine.
But he further endeared himself to teammates and fans alike with yet another imperious display between the sticks to deny a rampant Real Madrid.
Ter Stegen had made three superb saves before Barcelona took a 50th-minute lead, but it was his stop from Sergio Reguilon at 1-0 which signaled his increasing importance. The Real left-back's diving header looked destined for the net, only for an incredible flying save from ter Stegen to intervene.
It was typical of ter Stegen's exceptional campaign and stood out thanks to the opposition. Real Madrid were dominant in the cup fixture and ter Stegen once again came to the aid of a defense that has been less than reliable this season. He also shut Madrid out in the league game that followed.
Cat-like reflexes, Inspector Gadget-esque limbs, and an ability to enlarge his body like an enraged Cobra make the 26-year-old incredibly tough to beat. Following that Copa del Rey victory, ter Stegen had kept out 47 of the last 55 shots he had faced.
Statistically, the Germany international rates as one of the world's best shot-stoppers among Europe's elite clubs, making an average of 2.6 saves per game ahead of last week's Champions League clash with Lyon. Only Manchester United's David de Gea boasts a better record with three saves every 90 minutes.
"Messi with gloves” Spanish newspaper Marca labeled him last year.
"The best goalkeeper in the world,” said teammate Sergi Roberto.
"His touch is much better (than mine),” claimed Lionel Messi himself.
Yet ter Stegen is still struggling to convince Germany coach Joachim Löw that he deserves the number one jersey ahead of teammate Manuel Neuer. Löw said last year that Neuer would be his first choice until Euro 2020, but has since reopened the door for the understudy.
"We are happy to have two world-class goalkeepers in Germany. I said last year that Neuer is the No.1, also because he is our captain," Löw said before his latest squad announcement.
"But this year we have a little restart and Marc will get his chances in the qualification for Euro 2020. Of course, there will be a battle.
Germany stalwarts Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng, and Thomas Müller have already been cut adrift from Löw's plans, but Neuer, as Germany captain, looks set to hold on to Löw trust. For now, at least.
As Bayern Munich crashed out of the Champions League last week, Neuer was clearly at fault for the first goal. Rushing off his line and allowing Sadio Mane to embarrass him. It was a mistake which the Neuer of circa 2001-06 would never have made, when he was on top of his game and arguably the world's best having revolutionised the position as a "sweeper keeper".
There is little doubt Neuer is an icon as a gloveman, but all greats must fall and ter Stegen has shown he's the better keeper now in an outstanding season with Barcelona. And it's clear that he's tired of waiting in the wings.
"I have absolute respect for what Manu has done for the national team,” he told online broadcaster Dazn recently..
"But I will do everything to ensure that there's also a change in the goalkeeper position."
With Germany playing Serbia in a friendly match on Wednesday, it would be a perfect opportunity for Löw to hand Ter Stegen his 22nd cap. Shine, and Ter Stegen may give Löw no other choice but to make another huge change to a Germany side in desperate need of revival.
the_Farhan
94
Let me sum up the Neuer-Stegen controversy. Ter Stegen would have become no. 1 of any national team at this point of his career but not Germany. Let's be logical ter stegen is absolutely amazing but to get the No. 1 he must overcome Neuer. He can't overcome Neuer but can overshine him. Neuer was the core reason for Germany's success in WC14, he did absolutely everything that a player can do in for a national team wearing No.1 Jersey. Though neuer has lost his form in recent time but his class remains the same i.e. On the top. So according to me, Ter Stegen must be given equal minutes to neuer and must be played for big matches. However, Neuer must be Germany's No.1 and a priority. Thank You for reading my comment.
Yiylpsuy
80
Ter is incredible. The messi in gloves. Imagine 47 save from 55 shots. Low made a mistake in the world cup. And still!!!
saobclprsz
78
Manuel Neuer is the best and most suitable for the national team. Let Ter Stergen wait for is time
EAsoft
67
Two best love stories in International football 1: Giroud and Dischaps 2: Low and Neuer
Ribin24
65
Ter Stegen has already proved that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His performance for Barca is just enough to prove it.
AJSkyface2099
60
Ter Stegen is a great goalkeeper no doubt about that. But you can't just shift one of the best goalkeepers of all time who's style of playing is unprecedented out of the seat like that. He also happens to be the captain of the *Bayern* team as well as the German national team. This is just like the scenario of Casillas and De Gea, it all bores down to Neuer. And my Barca friends already calling him best in the world, please let's keep calm because he's up against one of the top 5 goalkeepers of all time and to dethrone will be quite a task. Besides he had some chances to prove his worth,let's not forget that
Lwazy
46
well Never was the worlds best during his era but damn theres a new wall in town i mean he has saved 47 out of 55 on target shots
VanishPrasad
42
Ter Stegen is simply the Messi of the goalkeepers. I still don't know why he is not Germany's No.1 yet
10andreas
39
47 shots stopped out of 55 . How good stats than these do Joachim Low really need to build his own self confidence for Marc Andre Ter Stegen.Just give him a chance he'll show the world how good he is!