Sportskeeda Football Awards 2016: Goalkeeper of the Year

#3 Manuel Neuer (Reader’s Rank: 2 | Sportskeeda’s Rank: 3 | Average Score: 8.5)

Manuel Neuer still remains one of the best keepers in modern football

It's a credit to Manuel Neuer that whenever he fails to top a goalkeeping list, it's a bit of a shock. The German has come to redefine the art of goalkeeping in a manner that has changed what is expected from young and upcoming keepers - to the point that coaching manuals are being re-written thanks to the German’s efforts.

The theory that Neuer is an outfield player masquerading as a goalkeeper is borne out by the fact that he has a stunning 84% distribution success rate, the best of any goalkeeper in this calendar year. 20 clean sheets and just 25 goals conceded from 42 appearances also perhaps is an effect of Bayern Munich’s great defence, but a saves-per-goal ration of 2.8 is absolutely stellar.

Neuer hasn’t reached the heights of his Ballon d’Or 2014 run, which was borne out by the fact that he received no votes in this year’s Ballon d’Or voting. Yet, the German still remains ever-consistent, and he will retain his burning desire to top the charts in 2017, which is a likely possibility.

Manuel Neuer: 2016 Calendar Stats
Appearances	42
Clean Sheets	20
Goal Conceded	25
Saves	70
Saves per Goal	2.8
Penalties Conceded/Saved	1/0
Distribution Success Rate	84%