Northern Ireland v Germany, Thurs 5th October

GERMANY PLAYERS TOWATCH

Words Roy Kitson

A FIRST CLASS KEEPER Ter Stegen has taken the place of national team captain Manuel Neuer between the posts in Germany’s last three WC 2018 qualifiers following the metatarsal injury suffered by Neuer when playing for Bayern Munich back in April. And following the news of a recurrence of Neuer’s injury three weeks ago, it looks as if he will be in action again this evening. The last few months have certainly been busy for him. He was a member of Germany’s Confederations Cup-winning squad in Russia, playing in four of their five games. And he kept a clean sheet in the final against Chile, which Germany won 1-0. Ter Stegen is now firmly established as first choice goalkeeper with Barcelona after the transfer of Claudio Bravo to Manchester City last year. He was transferred to the Spanish giants from Borussia Monchengladbach - his only other club - in the summer of 2014 for £10m. Won the Champions League in 2015 and the Copa Del Rey in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Made his full international debut in May 2012 in a 5-3 friendly defeat against Switzerland in Basel. STYLISH DEFENDER The 6ft 4ins centre back is a mainstay of Die Mannschaft (The Team). Has been with Bayern Munich since leaving Manchester City in 2011. With Bayern he has won four Bundesliga titles, and the Champions League in 2013. Played in the 2010 and 2014 World Cup finals. Started the WC 2014 tournament in Brazil at right back, moving inside for the knockout stages. Played a crucial role in the victory over Argentina in the final, making a clearance off the line and making a superb tackle on Lionel Messi. Played in all six matches in Euro 2016 in France. He was one of three German players in the team of the tournament; the others were Joshua Kimmich and Toni Kroos. Played against Northern Ireland in the WC qualifier in Hannover last October and also at Euro 2016 in Paris. Boateng has suffered from shoulder injuries in the past 12 months and has only recently recovered from a thigh injury. Made his senior international debut in October 2009 against Russia in Moscow. Germany won the game 1-0. MAINSTAY AT THE BACK The defensive mainstay of the Germany team, the 6ft 3ins central defender began his career with Bayern Munich youth teams and then reserves before moving to Borussia Dortmund on loan in January 2008 and then signing for them permanently in a £3.75m deal.With Dortmund he won the Bundesliga in 2011 and 2012 and the German Cup in 2012, as well as losing in the Champions League final in 2013 to Bayern Munich at Wembley (2-1). After nine seasons with Dortmund he rejoined Bayern Munich last summer. He penned a five-year contract with Bayern just two days after they had beaten Dortmund in the German Cup final. With Bayern he won the Bundesliga last season. Played against Northern Ireland twice last year - at Euro 2016 and in the WC qualifier in October. Has played in seven WC 2018 qualifiers to date – and scored the winner away to Czech Republic last month. Was a member of the 2014 World Cup winning team in Brazil, scoring two goals in six games. He made his international debut in May 2010 away to Malta (3-0 victory).

MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN GOALKEEPER Age Caps Goals Club 25 16 0 Barcelona

JEROME BOATENG DEFENDER

Age Caps Goals Club 27 67 1 Bayern Munich

MATS HUMMELS DEFENDER

Age Caps Goals Club 28 59 5 Bayern Munich

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