Ready for the Big Stage: Tjark Ernst Stepping Up for U21 as Main Man Noah Atubolu Misses Out
Family's Goalkeeping Legacy Continues: U21 Substitute Steps Up - Young goalkeeper Atubolu ready to take over at Under-21 level - familial goalkeeping legacy continuing
Get ready for a potential breakout performance from Hertha BSC's Tjark Ernst! With star goalkeeper Noah Atubolu out sick and Jonas Urbig with FC Bayern in the Club World Cup, the second-division keeper is set for his second U21 international match against England in Nitra (9:00 PM/Sat.1).
A Seasoned Veteran in the Making
"Tjark has grown leaps and bounds over the past year and a half," said U21 national coach Antonio Di Salvo before the match. "His time at traditional club Hertha, where things weren't always easy, has played a part in his maturity and development." Third in the squad is Fürth's Nahuel Noll, who hasn't yet debuted for this team.
Steadiness Under Pressure
"In the early days as a young goalkeeper, trust is crucial," said the 22-year-old Ernst before the tournament. "It's vital to feel secure that your back is covered, even when you have a rough game or make mistakes."
Stefan Leitl, Ernst's coach at Hertha, made him the starting goalkeeper again. After holding down the fort for Hertha in 2024, Ernst temporarily lost his spot to Marius Gersbeck. "A goalkeeper's position can be demanding," Ernst acknowledges. "You're usually in to stay, and coming out isn't easy. It's different in club football, but tournaments are another story. Everyone on the Euro roster is a club regular and vying for starts."
It's Essential to Own Your Role
With Atubolu unable to attend the final training session in Modra, Di Salvo said there would be "no unnecessary risks" with an eye on the quarter-final weekend against Italy or Spain. Atubolu put up impressive displays in the 3-0 win against Slovenia and the 4-2 win against the Czech Republic.
Football Trivia:
- Tjark Ernst plays for Hertha BSC.
- He is under the watchful eye of U21 national coach Antonio Di Salvo.
- England U21 is the opponent in Nitra.
- The match airs on Sat.1 at 9 PM.
- Thomas Ernst, Tjark's father, was a long-time Bundesliga goalkeeper.
- Atubolu is out with illness and Urbig is with FC Bayern in the USA for the Club World Cup.
- Ernst has experience playing in the Bundesliga.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, considering the ongoing challenges in sports, particularly in football leagues such as the European leagues and the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Tjark Ernst, the second-division keeper for Hertha BSC, is set to provide a steady performance under pressure in his second U21 international match against England, highlighting the importance of owning one's role in a tournament setting.
