Neuer's toughest decision: Safeguard career but skip 2018 World Cup?

By sportswriter Oliver Trust

BERLIN, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Some people are saying that Manuel Neuer could be forced to make perhaps the toughest decision of his career shortly. The 31-year-old might have to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea, according to German media.

Playing at the 2018 World Cup could jeopardize his career as he is still struggling to return to full fitness after a foot injury. Neuer has himself mentioned that he has to be extremely careful with his comeback "as my future career could be affected. I have to consider every single step."

As being part of a World Cup is a unique experience for every footballer, Neuer finds himself in a tricky situation. While time is running out for the goalkeeper, German national team coach Joachim Loew is said to have options up his sleeve.

25-year-old Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has turned out to be more than an adequate replacement. After three and a half years in Barcelona, the former Moenchengladbach keeper has reached the top level of international football.

German media talk of Ter Stegen as the natural successor of Neuer.

While Loew speaks of there always being an open door for Neuer, the 57-year-old is praising Ter Stegen's quality. "He stands for top quality and has gained a lot of experience at a world-class club," Loew said in advance of Germany's friendly against Brazil on Tuesday evening.

Loew said Ter Stegen has made a massive step up in Barcelona, and stands for inner calmness in dangerous situations.

In Germany's recent friendly against Spain (1-1), Ter Stegen was the side's man of the match delivering several saves against a strong Spanish team when winning his 19th cap for Germany. The pre-World Cup match confirmed that Spain is going to be one of Germany's strongest challengers in Russia.

Pundits say Ter Stegen's knowledge of the Spanish football could be an advantage for Loew and his plans to defend the title.

"He played an impressive tournament at the 2017 Confederations Cup and in last games for Germany were on a very high level," Loew commented.

The goalkeeper's development is something to be happy about, Loew told German media. Ter Stegen is ready to face the big challenges of international football.

Spanish media praise Ter Stegen's value for the 2015 Champions League winner. Ter Stegen is said to be the side's second-most important cornerstone after Argentine Superstar Lionel Messi. The German has kept a clean sheet in 23 of his 38 games for the Spanish league leaders. He has been called "Messi with gloves" by Spanish media.

Ter Stegen asked local media not to compare him with a genius like Messi. "My job is to save balls, and I am just happy how things are developing in my career. Messi is the world's best player; I am a goalkeeper."

Other than in his early years with the German team, the blond goalkeeper addresses all of the needs of international football and is even performing on a professional level when meeting the press.

Asked about challenging Neuer as German number one, Ter Stegen's answer is reserved. "I have greatest and deepest respect for Manuel and his achievements for the German football," he emphasized.

Loew is said to be happy about Ter Stegen's positivity and team spirit. The German coach recently said that a healthy team spirit would be a decisive factor when it comes to the 2018 World Cup.

In the eyes of German international and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, Ter Stegen fits perfectly into Barcelona's game style as "he is the eleventh field player propelling the team forward with his excellent skills on the ball." Enditem