Noah Atubolu: Who is the Freiburg and Germany U21 goalkeeper?
Mark Flekken's long-term successor at Freiburg, potentially Manuel Neuer's for Germany - fix your eyes on the hands, and feet, of up-and-coming goalkeeper Noah Atubolu...
*Stats correct as of 1 July 2023
Age: 21 (born 25 May 2002)
Club: Freiburg
Position: Goalkeeper
Country: Germany (10 U21 caps)
Key stats
A Freiburg player for approaching 13 years, Atubolu made his first-team debut during the 2022/23 campaign. The 6'3" custodian faced St. Pauli in a victorious DFB Cup second-round tie (2-1), as well as Qarabag in the UEFA Europa League groups (1-1) prior to the winter break. He then recorded his first clean sheet as a pro in 2-0 win over Sandhausen in the last 16 of the cup, adding to his 12 shut-outs across 25 appearances for Freiburg's second string in the third tier.
All told, Atubolu has turned out over 80 times for the Freiburg reserves, helping them gain promotion to Germany's 3. Liga as Regionalliga Südwest champions at the end of 2020/21. Three years earlier, he was part of the team that won the U19s German Cup. The Freiburg native has represented Germany since U17s level, and is currently the U21s' first-choice goalkeeper.
Translation: Congratulations on a successful debut, Noah Atubolu!
Plays a bit like: Manuel Neuer
Broad shoulders, a sizeable wingspan and lightning reactions enable Atubolu to pull off some stunning blocks at close quarters. He's also super confident on the ball, boasts laser-guided distribution and once scored a goal from inside his own half for the Freiburg U17s.
We're not saying the Freiburg youngster is the 'next Manuel Neuer' - the Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper-revolutionary is arguably the game's greatest-ever in his position - but there are some similarities.
Did you know?
Although on course for a senior international career with Germany, Atubolu is eligible to represent Nigeria. According to reports, he's already rejected overtures from the African nation's various youth teams and has even been approached by the senior camp.
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What they're saying
"It's a massive step up from 3. Liga to the Bundesliga, but Noah's been brilliant. He's got more talent than I had at his age." - ex-Freiburg No.1 Flekken
"Noah exudes presence and confidence, and is mastering all the elements of a very good goalkeeping game." - Freiburg sporting director Klemens Hartenbach
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