3 Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich
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For a goalkeeper to have come closest to breaking the stranglehold Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have over the Ballon d’ Or is no mean feat. Then again, Manuel Neuer is no mean goalkeeper – such has been his form that the German has been praised for redefining the role of goalkeeper.
However, this has come with a certain negative – if Neuer does not repeat his staggering feats every year, having set the bar so high previously, there are many who will label it a poor season. Indeed, there is some merit to Neuer being further down this list - the German's aura of invincibility has disappeared with errors in the Champions League against Arsenal, Juventus and Benfica.
Yet, Neuer has the capability to not let the errors affect him, being absolutely rock solid in the league as Bayern romped to the Bundesliga title, a reflection of his manager’s struggles in Europe and success domestically. Neuer is only bettered in the clean sheets stakes by Jan Oblak, garnering a staggering 27 shutouts this season.
| 2015/16 Stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 49 |
| Goals Conceded | 29 |
| Clean Sheets | 27 |
| Saves (League + UCL only) | 67 |
| Saves Per Goal (League + UCL only) | 2.48 |
| Penalties Saved / Conceded (League + UCL only) | 1/1 |
| Distribution accuracy (League + UCL only) | 83.5% |
