10 best goalkeepers of the decade

3. Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer is renowned as the original 'sweeper-keeper'

Widely regarded as the original ‘sweeper-keeper’, Manuel Neuer has acted as the #1 for Bayern Munich and Germany for practically the entire decade, over which time he’s established himself as one of the greatest keepers on the planet and even finished third in the voting for the 2014 Ballon d’Or – behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Neuer has always shown himself to be an excellent shot-stopper, able to pull off spectacular and awkward saves that rely on his amazing athleticism, but it’s through the use of his feet that he’s gained the most plaudits. Largely after working under boss Pep Guardiola at Bayern, Neuer became renowned for being able to collect the ball with his feet, even outside his area, and his passing ability still allows his sides to launch swift attacks from the back.

The German’s trophy haul speaks for itself, too; he’s won 7 Bundesliga titles, one UEFA Champions League, and captured the World Cup with Germany in 2014. He was also named in Euro 2012’s Team of the Tournament and was named the World’s Best Goalkeeper in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015. More than anyone else, Neuer modernised the way in which a goalkeeper is viewed.