"There’s a lot to come for him" – Thioune full of praise for rising star Mio Backhaus
"There’s a lot to come for him" – Thioune full of praise for rising star Mio Backhaus Mio Backhaus entered the season with big shoes to fill. Last season, Werder goalkeeper Michael Zetterer was (briefly) one of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga. In the summer, Zetterer was sold to Eintracht Frankfurt, and, while Karl Jakob Hein was loaned in from Arsenal, Werder gave the starting job to Backhaus.
Suffice to say, that has not been a decision Werder regret. Despite having no previous Bundesliga experience, the 21-year-old has quickly emerged as one of the most talented goalkeepers in Germany. With Werder Bremen battling relegation, he's been vital in recent weeks.
Look at his performance in Werder Bremen's recent victory over Wolfsburg. Backhaus thwarted Wolfsburg again and again, recording four saves and keeping a clean sheet. Werder won 1-0, the club's third win under coach Daniel Thioune.
“When you’re a small team, you need someone who surpasses himself,” said Thioune in an interview with the DFL. “And Mio Backhaus, he dealt with the first corner, second corner, third corner; caught freekicks; turned shots onto the bar. ” That's not to say it's been all smooth sailing.
The young goalkeeper let the ball slip past him for the opener in a crucial six-pointer against St. Pauli. Werder eventually lost 2-1, extending their winless streak to 13.