Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has expressed his frustration about being overlooked for a starter’s role with Germany.

The 27-year-old had a great 2018/19 season with the Blaugrana and earned himself a podium finish in the FIFA The Best awards alongside Brazilians Ederson and Alisson. However, 33-year-old Manuel Neuer is always preferred over him by Germany boss Joachim Low.

The Bayern Munich custodian let four goals in during Germany’s defeat to the Netherlands this month, but kept a clean-sheet against Northern Ireland.

Ter Stegen admitted that staying on the bench despite his best efforts has been frustrating.

“It is not easy to find an explanation as I am giving the best account of myself in each game to make the decision more difficult,” Ter Stegen said, according to Goal.

“I am trying [to become first-choice] anyway. But this trip with the national team has been a tough blow for me.”

Ter Stegen had earlier admitted that sitting on the bench as second-choice was enough to drive him mad.

“Obviously, it drives me a bit mad. You give the best of yourself and you aren’t where you want to be,” he told T-Online.

“I have established my priorities. I want to be successful and the big objective I have is to be the first choice keeper for my country.”