Manuel Neuer praises Bayern Munich youngster after first start for Germany

Aleksandar Pavlović was the emerging player for Bayern Munich last season. The youngster made his debut at the start of the 2023/24 season and went on to become a crucial member of the starting XI under Thomas Tuchel.

The 20-year-old midfielder has quickly impressed Vincent Kompany this season and cemented a spot in the starting XI. He has been delivering consistent performances alongside Joshua Kimmich in the center of the park, which has helped Bayern to dominate games on a regular basis.

Pavlović has endured frustrating luck with the national team until now. He missed out on a place in the squad for Euros due to tonsillitis in the summer. However, the youngster was determined to make his first start for Germany during the recently concluded international break.

Julian Nagelsmann rewarded Pavlović’s efforts in training with a starting place against Netherlands in a crucial UEFA Nations League game on Monday. Manuel Neuer was in attendance at Allianz Arena to watch Pavlović against the Dutch team. While talking to Bild, Neuer heaped praise on Pavlović for delivering a quality performance on his maiden start for Germany.

"When you play your first games in the national team, it's often the case that you don't dare to do everything. But with him it was as if he played his 50th match. This coolness, ruthlessness and courage are what Julian Nagelsmann demands from the players - he wants everyone to have courage and bring their qualities onto the pitch. And that's exactly what Aleks does."

- Manuel Neuer talking about Pavlović

Pavlović set for big season with Bayern and Germany

The debut season with Bayern ended up with no silverware for Pavlović, but the ongoing campaign can be productive for him with club and country. The environment at Bayern and Germany allows him to be at his absolute best and achieve collective honours.

Die Roten have started well under Vincent Kompany. The Bavarian club is leading the Bundesliga table and plays an entertaining style of football. Pavlović is currently ahead of João Palhinha in the pecking order for a spot in central midfield, which suggests how highly Kompany rates him. The German midfielder will play a crucial role in achieving Bayern’s target of winning trophies this season.

Meanwhile, there will be silverware up for grabs next summer for Germany as they qualified for the quarter-final of the UEFA Nations League after beating Netherlands on Monday. Pavlović is likely to play an important role in Germany's efforts to lift this trophy.

The immediate goal for Pavlović will be to help Bayern get back to winning ways in the Bundesliga. They dropped points against Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt in the last two games. Kompany’s men resume Bundesliga action at Allianz Arena on Saturday against last season’s runners-up VfB Stuttgart. Pavlović is expected to start in the center of the park alongside Joshua Kimmich in this game.