Who Is Alexander Nubel? A Manuel Neuer Clone And Bayern Munich’s New Talented Shot-Stopper

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – DECEMBER 07: Alexander Nuebel of FC Schalke 04 gestures during the Bundesliga … [+] match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Schalke 04 at BayArena on December 7, 2019 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Bayern Munich have swooped to secure the services of highly-rated goalkeeper Alexander Nübel as a long-term replacement for captain Manuel Neuer.

The 23-year-old joins the Bavarian giants in the summer on a free transfer from Schalke when his contract comes to an end. Nübel, who turned down Schalke’s offer to extend his deal in December, will link-up with his new side on July 1 ready for pre-season.

Bayern Munich have been running the rule over the impressive goalkeeper for a long time and have beaten Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and AC Milan to his signature. We take a closer look at the heir-aparent Nübel.

Background…

After a short spell at TSV Tudorf, where the young shot-stopper originally started as a forward at the age of 14, Nübel moved to home-town club Paderborn where he spent ten years in the youth set-up. Having fitted in easily, he was fast-tracked through the age groups, and his teammates nicknamed him ‘Manuel’ because he reminded them of Neuer.

Having impressed, Schalke were alerated, and signed him in the summer of 2015 for $705,000. The 6’4″ Nübel started as third choice behind Ralf Fährmann and veteran Michael Gspurning, before making his Schalke debut as a 19-year-old at the end of the 2015-16 season in a 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim.He exceeded Fährmann and became Schalke’s No.1, before being handed the captain’s armband ahead of this current season.

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – DECEMBER 15: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Alexander Nuebel of FC Schalke 04 controls … [+] the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Eintracht Frankfurt at Veltins-Arena on December 15, 2019 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Nübel made his Germany Under-21s debut back in September 2017 against Hungary and has featured 17 times for his nation’s Under-21 side to date. Nübel has started in 15 Bundesliga matches this season, keeping four cleansheets.

Style of play…

Just like Neuer, Nübel is a ‘sweeper-keeper’ and is comfortable wih the ball at his feet. In fact, when at Paderborn, he spent 75 per cent of games as an outfield player due to his skills. The club however convinced him due to his imposing stature and commanding presence to take up the gloves full-time.

The Paderborn-native has lived up to expectations, having saved 80 per cent of shots on his goal, conceding four in his first six domestic apperances this season – the same stats as Neuer.

Making his Champions League debut against Galatasaray at the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi Stadium he impressed in the 0-0 draw keeping a cleansheet in one of the most intimidating atmosphere’s in Europe.

Nübel’s athleticism helps him to make saves confortably, just like Neuer has done over the years for club and country, and also likes to dominate his box, which makes him the perfect heir to the current 33-year-old Bayern goalkeeper.

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – JANUARY 20: Alexander Nuebel of FC Shalke 04 makes a save from Yannick … [+] Gerhardt of VfL Wolfsburg during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and VfL Wolfsburg at Veltins-Arena on January 20, 2019 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Bongarts/Getty Images

Bayern like to play a high line and press high to win the ball back in the opposition half and Nübel will only learn from Neuer moving forward and will then go on to replicate the Germany legend. Many aren’t able to keep goal like Neuer, but Nübel will be hoping he can match or better his fellow countryman, once Neuer hangs up his gloves.

What they said…

“He could be. He needs the experience that he will definitely get, but he’s already developed really well.” – Neuer when asked if Nübel could one day succeed him as his Germany No.1

“He’s a new-generation goalkeeper and one of the best German goalkeepers around. That’s why the sky’s the limit for him.” – Markus Krösche, who coached him at Paderborn in 2014/15

“Alex was always better with his feet than many of our outfield players – when you had Alex on your team, that was half the job done – you knew you could always pass the ball to him. I can imagine seeing him as Germany number one in future.” – former teammate at Paderborn, Eric Kroll

“You can only speak highly of Alex – he’s an incredibly talented goalkeeper, with the world at his feet. He’s got an extraordinary footballing ability, but he’s also very down to earth and is a great lad.”  – Klaus Thomforde, Germany’s U21 goalkeeper coach