by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 22 (Xinhua) -- SC Freiburg's most successful season has been closely linked to the form and leadership of defender Matthias Ginter.
The 32-year-old's experience has helped guide the side into two semifinals, in the UEFA Europa League against Braga on April 30 and May 7 and in the German Cup against VfB Stuttgart on Thursday, while Freiburg is also fighting for a place in European competition through the league.
As he moves into the later stage of his career, Ginter's importance continues to grow, whether in central defense or in a deeper midfield role.
His recent form has not gone unnoticed in discussions around Germany's national team.
Despite competition from players such as Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger, Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck and Bayern Munich's Jonathan Tah, the Freiburg defender offers qualities that could still be useful to Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Having played only limited roles at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Ginter has also shown he can accept a supporting role and still contribute to the team.
His performances this season have strengthened the case that he is enjoying one of the best campaigns of his career.
With Freiburg reaching two semifinals within the space of three weeks, the club has enjoyed one of the strongest runs in its history, and Ginter has played a central role through solid defending, aerial strength and his contribution in both penalty areas.
Although he was left out of Germany's recent internationals, Ginter has not given up hope of playing at a fourth World Cup.
"I am disappointed for now," he said, but added that things are over when they are over. Despite not being picked, the SC defender said that doors are not yet closed for him.
Several television pundits, including Germany record international Lothar Matthaus, have suggested that the Freiburg defender still has a case for selection.
While World Cup hopes remain in the background, his focus is on the two semifinals. "It's still something very special for a club like Freiburg," he said, as Freiburg continues to rely on physical strength, tactical flexibility and set-piece efficiency.
Ginter became a key figure after returning to his home club in 2022 following spells with Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach. It may not be a late peak in the usual sense, given his earlier success, but it does suggest a highly productive second phase of his career at Freiburg.
For good reason, Italy international and teammate Vincenzo Grifo has described him as "our anchor of stability," praising his importance to the team.
"We hope to make it to the final again," Ginter said after Freiburg lost the 2022 German Cup final to Leipzig 4-2. ■
