Goal:
The issue of the goalkeeper is a big discussion in the German press and between the fans. Since the 2006 World Cup head coach Loew let the goalkeeper rotate in different games. One match, it was Tim Wiese between the posts, in the next game it was René Adler or Manuel Neuer. All three goalkeepers are starters and very talented. So it is hard to predict who will be the actual number one keeper.
You never know how good a goalie exactly is because of the defenders in front of him. A good defensive line can prevent dangerous shoots on their own goal and keep the goalie clean. A team can have an average goalkeeper, but terrific stats because of a strong defensive line. In the same regard a terrific goalkeeper with a disastrous defensive line can post worse statistics.
There was a big controversy for the 2006 world championship in Germany for the number one goalkeeper. In all of the preliminary rounds former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn (retired) looked terrific, but at the end Jogi Loew (and Juergen Klinsmann) put Jens Lehmann between the posts. In 2010 the discussion of ‘who will be the number one starter in the goal’ is heating up. Former national goalkeeper Lehmann, who wanted to withdraw, actually said: he wants the goalkeeper-job in South Africa back – gaining high words of the other German goalkeepers.
Wiese should be the top goalkeeper in South Africa. He has good reflexes and is good at maneuvering the ball in the game allowing teammates to play the ball to him. Wiese is confident, has international experience, and could organize the defence from the back. Another good point for the potential number one keeper is that he and Germany’s defence-captain know each other from their club. What keeps you thinking is that he is a firebrand that tends to do some silly moves. You may remember an important match against Juventus Turin, which was nearly won and Wiese played the match of his life until the final minutes where he overreacted and played a bad pass to an opponent, who scored the deciding goal eliminating Wiese’s team.
Goalkeeper:
René Adler (25), (Leverkusen) – young and talented with less international experience, but a strong will.
Manuel Neuer (23), (Schalke) – – the best young goalkeeper in Germany, but a little bit hit-or-miss with run outs.
Tim Wiese (28), (Bremen) – the one with the most international experience, solid performance through the years, but a little bit shaky in some decisions.
Potential Call-up:
Timo Hildebrand (30) (Hoffenheim) – after a disappointing year in Spain and some injuries he found his strength and is performing very well. Hildebrand has been the backbone of the young defence of Hoffenheim. He is on Loew's ‘Black List’- thus minor chances for him.
For a more in depth look at the entire roster please click on the links below.
OVERVIEW
DEFENCE
MIDFIELD
FORWARD
- Tjaden F. Bricout - RotoKingdom Staff Writer