Bo Henriksen endorses Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner for German national team | OneFootball

The German national team’s “keeper carousel” may soon have a new addition. Bundesliga veteran Robin Zentner (30) has not yet earned a senior team cap in all of his years. In the opinion of Mainz 05 head coach Bo Henriksen, the once-capped Germany U17 international should be given a chance. Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann’s injury leaves an open spot on  Julian Nagelsmann’s March squad.

Henriksen spoke on Zentner at Friday’s press conference. It might be the case that – owing to a recent bout of illness – Zentner will not be available to face St. Pauli this weekend. Henriksen indicated that he would bypass 34-year-old backup Daniel Batz and give 23-year-old Lass Rieß his Bundesliga debut.

German footballing legend Manuel Neuer’s retirement from the national team – and Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury – have accorded plenty of quality German keepers the chance to stake their claims in the three international breaks this past autumn. Baumann earned his first cap, as did Neuer’s one-time designated successor at Bayern Munich Alexander Nübel.

Janis Blaswich (RB Salzburg) and Stefan Ortega (Manchester City) have been called up, yet not made an appearance yet. Werder Bremen’s Michael Zetterer earned endorsements from his coaches and managers, but ultimately missed out on a call up due to dip in form.

Zentner’s work as the Mainz’ No. 1 since the 2019/20 Bundesliga campaign has helped him amass 188 top flight appearances. The former academy man finds himself in excellent form this season. He’s kept eight clean sheets and maintains a 75.3% save rate.

“Robin is not only an incredibly good goalkeeper, but also very important as a leader,” Henriksen said on Friday, “Hopefully Robin will also join the national team.“

GGFN | Peter Weis