Who is Mio Backhaus?

Data correct as of 24 September 2024

Mio Backhaus

Age: 20
Club: Werder Bremen
Position: Goalkeeper
Country: Germany (15 youth caps)/ Japan (one youth cap)

Key stats

Backhaus has returned to boyhood club Bremen after an invaluable loan spell in the Netherlands with Volendam. The 6'4" stopper made 33 Eredivisie appearances in 2023/24, averaging 5.74 saves per game and boasting a shots-to-saves ratio of 68.90 percent.

Although the season ended in relegation, Backhaus' consistent displays were rewarded with a handful of Germany U20 caps, adding to his 12 outings at U15-19s level. The Mönchengladbach native, who is yet to appear for the Bremen pros, has also played for the U15 team of Japan - his mother's homeland.

Plays a bit like: Marc-André ter Stegen

Backhaus has been touted as a possible long-term successor to Germany's Marc-André ter Stegen at Barcelona. He's certainly a similar type of goalkeeper: tall, agile, a strong communicator and shot-stopper, and confident in one-on-one situations.

Did you know?

While Backhaus awaits his senior breakthrough at Werder, he is already firmly on the radar of the Japan national team. Samurai Blue head coach Hajime Moriyasu has even visited the young stopper in Bremen to run the rule over his credentials.

"The Japanese FA had two representatives at training, including the senior national team coach," revealed Bremen managing director for sport, Clemens Fritz, in early 2023. "He was travelling around Germany, visiting clubs and, of course, looking at how Mio is developing."

What they're saying

"We know we have a top goalkeeping talent on our hands. The important thing is that he continues to develop the way he has in recent years." - Clemens Fritz

"Mio's calm, good with his feet and a very good goalkeeper - qualities he's been able to show in training. I'm very excited about his development." - Bremen head coach Ole Werner