FC Barcelona goalkeeper, Marc André ter Stegen, is enjoying yet another fantastic season between the sticks for his club. This season has proven without any doubt that he is one of the best keepers in the world.
Even still, the Germany stopper has been unable to secure the number one shirt for his country. Joachim Low continues to remain faithful to veteran Manuel Neuer instead, despite his form declining in recent years due to injuries.
Ter Stegen admitted he felt "disappointed" when Low told him that Neuer would remain first choice for Germany.
"Of course, you hope to play. Now my expectations are to keep improving in order to become Germany's number one," replied Ter Stegen.
At 26, the Barça man is seven years Neuer's junior, who is now 33. Ter Stegen didn't play a single minute of Germany's disappointing early exit from the Russian World Cup.
Ter Stegen has made errors in previous matches for his country but feels they shouldn't be held against him. "Those experiences make you stronger. The goalkeeper is the last man and you can make mistakes. There are errors I'd like to forget about, or that I'd love to go back in time and change. Now I handle it better. Mistakes happen but you must keep improving."
He's kept 14 clean sheets in 32 LaLiga rounds this season. Ter Stegen's record is even more impressive with 20 clean sheets in 44 official matches. It can't be long before he's tasked with doing the same for Germany.