Prepared for Away Game: U21 Team Maintains Goalkeeping Legacy Within Family - Young goalkeeper Atubolu set to replace current U21 starter - familial goalkeeping legacy in sight
Covering Tjark Ernst's Rise as the U21 National Team's New Goalkeeper
Need a refreshing take on the upcoming youth football action? Let's dive into it.
The upcoming absence of the starting goalkeeper Noah Atubolu paves the way for a potential breakthrough for the new number two, Tjark Ernst. With Freiburg's Atubolu under the weather and Jonas Urbig with FC Bayern in the US for the Club World Cup, the Hertha goalkeeper Tjark Ernst finds himself ready for his second U21 national team game.
"Matured through hardships"
U21 national coach Antonio Di Salvo praised Ernst before the game tonight, set to kick off at 21:00 Uhr on Sat.1, against England in Nitra, stating, "He's developed impressively over the last one and a half years. It's evident that the time spent at a traditional club, where things haven't always gone smoothly, has helped him mature and improve." The third goalkeeper in the squad is Fürth's Nahuel Noll, yet to make his debut for this team.
Growing confidence with Hertha
Ernst, the son of long-time Bundesliga keeper Thomas Ernst, has settled at Berlin's second-division club. In his own words, "As a young goalkeeper, gaining the trust is crucial. Knowing that your back is protected, even during weaker games or mistakes, makes a big difference. Establishing oneself as the clear number one offer additional reassurance."
Boosted by his coach Stefan Leitl, who had named Ernst the starting goalkeeper again, the Hertha goalkeeper previously lost his starting position to Marius Gersbeck. "As a goalkeeper, you tend to remain in the starting lineup for extended periods, and it's unusual to be substituted quickly. It's just different from a field player," Ernst commented. "However, at a tournament like the European Championship, everyone is a regular starter for their respective clubs. Each player has earned the right to play. But it's important that everyone plays their role optimally."
Ernst, also a Bundesliga veteran with Hertha Berlin, has demonstrated his skills, even making his debut in the Bundesliga in May 2023.
controversy with Di Salvo
Di Salvo refused to take "undue risks," considering the quarter-final match against Italy or Spain at the weekend. Atubolu's absence from the final training in Modra may have influenced this decision. Atubolu's impressive performance in the 3-0 win against Slovenia and the 4-2 win against the Czech Republic had made him a strong contender.
Football-EMAntonio Di SalvoEnglandNitraHertha BSCInternational FootballAbsenceThomas ErnstComposureFC BayernUSAClub World Cup
Sources:[1] Listing of Tjark Ernst playing for Hertha Berlin[2] History of Tjark Ernst's career progression[3] Articles on Tjark Ernst's performances at the U21 European Championship[4] Profile of Tjark Ernst within the German Bundesliga[5] News about Tjark Ernst making a significant impact in the U21 team game against England.
In the midst of the European Championship, the Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, as football enthusiasts gear up for the U21 national team's game against England in Nitra. Despite the controversy surrounding the absence of starting goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, Tjark Ernst, the Hertha BSC goalkeeper, showcases his composure and resilience, having matured through hardships at his club.