#4 Manuel Neuer
Trending
From one end of the Bayern Munich pitch to the other, Manuel Neuer has served just over five years with the German champions as the arguably the greatest goalkeeper the game has ever seen. Naturally, the Gelsenkirchen-born shot-stopper’s reflexes and handling are bordering on perfect, but it’s the way he’s redefined the sweeper-keeper role as his own which has earned him the most plaudits.
The 30-year-old has won four Bundesliga titles, the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup in 2014, as well as having won the Player of the Year award in Germany on two separate occasions. He also became the first goalkeeper in nearly a decade to be shortlisted for the FIFA Ballon d'Or back in 2014, where he finished third.
The Germany international has perfected practically every aspect of goalkeeping, contributing to the outfield as well as between the sticks, with his top distribution and aforementioned sweeper skills, while he is also competent at stopping penalties. His most notable contribution was when he denied both Kaka and Ronaldo from the spot in a shootout to guide the Bavarians through to the 2012 UEFA Champions League final.
It’s easy to overlook goalkeepers when it comes to lists like this but who’s to say that Neuer doesn’t contribute as much to the Bayern and Germany contingents as their respective outfield crops. Neuer is young for one in his position, blessed with an intimidating frame and excellent natural ability.
