Freiburg coach vows to protect Bundesliga's youngest goalkeeper Atubolu after recent blunders 

SC Freiburg coach Christian Streich has vowed to protect Super Eagles-eligible goalkeeper Noah Atubolu after his recent blunders cost the team some points.

The Germany U21 international was installed as first choice goalkeeper at Freiburg this season following the sale of Netherlands international Mark Flekken to Premier League club Brentford.

Atubolu has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons in the past few weeks, earning criticism from the German media for some goalkeeping mistakes. 

Atubolu was blamed for Mats Hummels' second goal in Freiburg's 4-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund as he appeared hesitant to make a save.

And in the Europa League meeting with West Ham United, a mistake by Atubolu allowed Nayef Aguerd to power home the winning goal with twenty five minutes to go.

Streich is standing by Atubolu who is the youngest goalkeeper to feature in the Bundesliga this season at 21 years and 86 days. 

"Only people who don't see it would turn it into a goalkeeper discussion," Streich was quoted as saying by German broadcaster Südwestrundfunk.

"No matter whether it's success or supposed failure, sometimes it's just good for a young player like this to let a game sink in first instead of running from one interview to the next and perhaps getting lost

"It's about protection. He's sitting in the car, that's why you have to pay a little attention to guys like that."

Atubolu has conceded seventeen goals in ten matches so far this season while posting four shutouts. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: dfb.de

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