Overview

• Noah Atubolu made two point-blank saves in SC Freiburg’s 2–1 Europa League win over FC Basel, earning praise from coach Julian Schuster as a big support who gives the team security.
• Former national coach Joachim Löw said it is entirely conceivable Atubolu becomes Germany’s No. 1, noting he has followed the 23-year-old for years, accepted early mistakes, and seen steady improvement with trust from Freiburg.
• Atubolu’s recent résumé includes a club-best 609 minutes without conceding last season and a Bundesliga record of five consecutive penalty saves.
• Germany’s goalkeeper picture is in flux, with Manuel Neuer confirming he will not play for the national team, Marc-André ter Stegen sidelined by injury, and Oliver Baumann recently starting as Julian Nagelsmann praises Atubolu’s very good trend and Neuer says his future remains open.
• The Freiburg keeper said he takes selection game by game and aims to earn it on performance, while reports of contact from Nigeria have prompted commentary urging timely integration by the DFB.