Niklas Sule started 2022 being linked with a move to Newcastle United. Now he is ending 2022 with World Cup humiliation and being compared to Harry Maguire.
The 27-year-old has been part of the Germany side that has endured a torrid time in Qatar. Hansi Flick’s side have been eliminated already, crashing out in the Group Stage just like they did in 2018.
It has been an embarrassing tournament for Germany, who were, as always, one of the favourites to do well.
But now they have been eliminated courtesy of Japan being Spain on Thursday night.
There has been a lot wrong with this German side. Scoring goals has been an issue, but they have also had problems at the back.
And former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has taken aim at Sule, a man who Newcastle wanted to bring to St James’ Park earlier this year.
Niklas Sule compared to Harry Maguire
The Borussia Dortmund defender played every minute of every game for Germany during the World Cup, failing to keep a single clean sheet.
Following Germany’s dramatic exit from the tournament, Van der Vaart has criticised their defence, and singled out Sule for criticism.
“Germany have a problem in defence,” he told Dutch TV (as reported by the Daily Star).
“Süle is not world-class. He is the German Harry Maguire.”
Being compared to Harry Maguire is meant to be a scathing put down, but the Manchester United man is actually enjoying a fantastic World Cup. Gareth Southgate has trusted him, and he is performing very well.
Maguire was particularly impressive in the 0-0 draw with USA, and he is certainly answering some of his critics.
But obviously Van der Vaart isn’t impressed if he thinks comparing Sule to him is a major criticism. Perhaps if Sule had really been playing like Maguire, Germany would still be in the competition!
But they’re not, and Newcastle will be looking back at their failed attempt to sign Sule earlier this year.
Sule did have an offer from Newcastle
Following the change of ownership, Newcastle were linked with a crazy amount of players. And one target was Sule, who was still at Bayern Munich at the time.
It was claimed that he was actually interested in a move to the North East, intrigued by the project the new owners were undertaking.
It all seemed a bit strange. This was a guy playing in the Champions League, keen on a move to a side that was seemingly destined for relegation.
In the end, he didn’t come to Newcastle. He apparently wasn’t as keen as he first made out, instead opting to join Dortmund.
Germany legend Lothar Matthaus claimed that Sule had an offer from the Magpies, putting a lot of money on the table. But instead he accepted Dortmund’s offer, and it’s probably a good job he did.
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