The Ter Stegen/ Cillessen paradox

BeSoccer 6 years ago 2.1k
Things are completely different for the pair at international level. AFP

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen could barely be more of a fixture in the first team at Barcelona, with Jasper Cillessen his more than able deputy on the bench, but their situations could not be more different with their respective national sides.

It is curious that one of the best stoppers in the world is not a starter for Germany, with not even a long spell in the team when Manuel Neuer was sidelined with ankle problems anough for Ter Stegen to be able to force his way into the side on a more permanent basis.

Meanwhile, Holland rely on Cillessen completely despite him being limited to Cup outings at club level.

In that sense the pair's situations are somewhat paradoxical. Cillessen has made 43 appearances for his country and is Ronaldo Koeman's undisputed number one, though he enjoyed a quiet night when the Dutch faced Germany.

Ter Stegen, on the other hand, has just 21 international caps and last featured for his country in the friendly against Peru on September 9 as Neuer remains Joachim Low's go-to man between the sticks.

However, with the international break drawing quickly to a close, the pair will soon return to their club and normal service will be resumed.

Mentioned in the news story

M. Ter Stegen
Jasper Cillessen
Barcelona
Alemania
Países Bajos
UEFA Nations League