Update: Criticized Goalkeeper Atubolu Now Leads DFB to EM Final
Atubolu, former adversary, ascending as a DFB powerhouse
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Germany's U21 team is heading for the EM final, their opponent? England. The surefire factor for success? Noah Atubolu, the keeper for SC Freiburg. In the semi-final against France, he made numerous crucial saves. But his journey wasn't always smooth sailing.
France put up a strong fight in the EM semi-final against Germany, but the SC Freiburg goalkeeper, Noah Atubolu, kept them at bay. Thairo Barry, Striker for France, had three chances against the post in just three minutes. He slipped past a deflected ball and finally headed wide. The German squad experienced some tense moments in stoppage time before countering and scoring the 3-0, thanks to Brajan Gruda. The final was set. And Atubolu was the architect of France's misery, making them regret their chances.
For instance, right after the break, with Germany leading 2-0, Barry had his first big chance. After a shaky pass, the substitute found himself clear, but Atubolu sprawled himself and kept the ball from close range with his right foot somehow. The drama reached its peak in the 68th minute when Barry was free again. He headed for a flying header from close range, but Atubolu managed to clear it off the line.
A National Team Dream as a Declared Goal
Football "Yes we did it, yessss" Overjoyed DFB juniors celebrate their win Atubolu's small triumphant gesture towards the opponent, a raised finger, echoed the sentiment. The ball was safe in his house. "Today was my most important and best U21 game," said Atubolu on Sat.1, after overcoming tricky years. The 23-year-old has risen to become a top keeper at SC Freiburg, whose performance raises high hopes not only for the future in the junior national team but also the senior one.
"He's still young, very hardworking, and invested a lot," his coach Julian Schuster declared a few weeks ago. And Atubolu openly declared his ambition: "My goal is to play for Germany. I've been in the youth teams, also in the national team, and it would be a lie if I said that playing for the senior national team one day isn't my dream."
Displacing Manuel Neuer's Record
At the U21 level, Atubolu follows in the giant footsteps of Manuel Neuer – becoming the record goalkeeper of the U21 with 21 appearances. Atubolu made his debut for the team in March 2022 and was already on the pitch for the EM 2023. "Noah is having an outstanding European Championship," said DFB coach Antonio Di Salvo, "We brought him in three years ago because we knew he's a top goalkeeper, a talent. I don't know about it, but the goalkeeper coaches said, take him. And that's why he deserves to play so many games."
Last Season, Freiburg Played Their First Without Long-Term Coach Christian Streich, Atubolu Proved to Be a Constant, Helping the Club Achieve Success Despite Major Changes in the Coach Position. The Sports Club Finished Fifth and Will Play in the UEFA Europa League Next Season, Providing a Big Stage for Atubolu to Further Prove Himself for Even Greater Challenges. Rumors of Interest from Top Clubs, Including English Ones, Have Been Swirling, but Atubolu Remains Focused on His Game.
Streich Defends Atubolu
Football Clear Victory Despite Missed Chances, German U21 Title Dream Lives: DFB U21 in Euro Final A year ago, In late April 2024, Atubolu faced heavy criticism online. Coach Streich stood up for the goalkeeper, "It's too noisy with him. We are SC Freiburg, and we have a 21-year-old goalkeeper who has played 40 games and kept nine clean sheets in the league," said Streich. "SC Freiburg chooses a goalkeeper from its own youth, from its own city. That’s our way."
Atubolu will tend the U21 goal one last time, the final against England on Saturday (9 pm on Sat.1 and live ticker at ntv.de) will be the last game for most of the team in the most important German U-team. And the goal is clear: "Now we want the title too," said Atubolu.
Source: ntv.de, tno
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- DFB Youth
- Atubolu's Rise to Prominence: After facing criticism in his early days, Atubolu turned his career around through consistent performance and legendary records in the Bundesliga. Atubolu received the nickname "penalty killer" for his skills in spot-kick situations.
- Remarkable Records: Atubolu broke the record for the longest stretch of not conceding a goal in the Bundesliga, a record previously held by legendary goalkeeper Richard Golz. Atubolu also made history by saving four penalties in a row, an achievement no other Freiburg goalkeeper had ever accomplished.
- Recognition and Future Prospects: With the current senior German goalkeeper's aging and some potential retirements, Atubolu sees an opportunity to become the first Black goalkeeper to represent Germany's senior team. His impressive performances have also caught the attention of top European clubs, leading to transfer rumors.
- Ambitions and Dreams: Atubolu has openly expressed his ambition to play for Germany's senior team one day, emphasizing meritocracy and putting performance before skin color.
- Junior football has been a stepping stone for goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, who is now leading Germany's U21 team towards the EM final, with England as their opponents.
- Despite facing heavy criticism in his early days, Atubolu has made a mark in the sports-analysis world with his remarkable records, such as the longest stretch of not conceding a goal in the Bundesliga and saving four penalties in a row.
