Germany call-up despite bench role? Why he'd be perfect for the World Cup

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Bayern’s sporting director went on to explain: "That was the plan we discussed before the season, he has gotten those games, and you can see how he is developing at this level. He has played matches in all competitions — the Bundesliga, Champions League and cup. He is standing in goal with a great deal of confidence." So far, that is 18 appearances to be exact. 13 of them in the Bundesliga, and he kept six clean sheets.

But it is not only his strong performances for Bayern that make him the perfect candidate for the role of backup keeper behind Oliver Baumann. It is above all his profile. And everyone knows: Nagelsmann places great value on having the right profile in his supporting players.

On the one hand, through his role in the shadow of Manuel Neuer, Urbig is very familiar with the situation of having to step in when needed. He knows that his time will come and therefore is not making the highest possible demands for the tournament in the summer either.

In keeping with that, he skillfully sidestepped questions about possible participation in an interview with Sky: "The World Cup is still a few weeks away. Until then, we still have a home game against Cologne and the cup final — unfortunately not the Champions League final. Only after that would I start thinking about it."

Familiar with the World Cup environment

On the other hand, despite his age and the fact that he has only been a backup keeper so far, Urbig brings the necessary experience on the international stage. He has already played several matches for Bayern at the highest level and, through his participation in the Club World Cup last summer, is already familiar with the conditions on site.

As early as March, he was called up by Julian Nagelsmann, but had to end the trip early because of a capsule injury. Will he now receive another invitation for the World Cup tournament?

"That’s not our decision," Freund said cautiously, but added: "But everyone can see how the young lad is developing and what he is delivering. He is an absolute top goalkeeper. He would certainly deserve it and has the quality too. When you see how he works every single day, it is great. He definitely has the quality for Germany."

If his form curve remains this steep, a DFB nomination on May 21 would certainly come as no surprise. And if Nagelsmann does not call him, then maybe Carlo Ancelotti might pick up the phone after all. Provided Giovane Elber managed to sort something out with that Brazilian passport. The name Urbinho would definitely have a nice ring to it too.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.