Very few players have redefined their position to the point where their name is synonymous with excellence. While Manuel Neuer did not invent the modern goalkeeper, many coaches, players, and goalkeepers around the world believed he did.
He is now generally regarded as the best of his generation and one of the greatest of all time. He set the standard for an entire generation of goalkeepers. Every decent to high-level goalkeeper was always pitted against Neuer, and the majority of the time, they fell short.
He transformed the position, making almost every football club and nation out there seek to play with the “sweeper keeper” – a goalie that is always proactive during a game to step out of the 18 yard box and clear the ball when opponents are in an attacking phase, while also serving as an auxiliary outfield player in the centre back position to give the team an extra pair of feet on the ball.
This was best displayed in the 2014 World Cup which turned out to be the pinnacle and crowning moment of his international career. Neuer played a key role in Germany’s fourth World Cup victory, keeping four clean sheets and delivering a legendary performance against Algeria in the Round of 16.
He excelled as a “sweeper-keeper,” frequently racing far outside his penalty area to intercept through balls. Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final after extra time, even though Neuer was hardly tested in the 120 minutes. He won the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
This was his tournament, and it resulted in a third place finish in the Balon d’Or Award rankings that year. This came after the third place finish in 2010 in South Africa. What subsequently followed were group stage exits in 2018 and 2022 editions, as Germany did not live up to the expectations that came after Brazil.
But that does not take away from his status in the game. Germany crashed out in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Spain in the 2024 UEFA European Championship in Neuer’s 124th cap, where he set two records.
The first one, surpassing Bastian Schweinsteiger as the German with the most appearances in international tournaments and the second one being the most appearances in the Euros for a German player.
After initially retiring from international football post Euro 2024, Neuer has been recalled and restored as Germany’s number one. The decision meant displacing Oliver Baumann, who had established himself as a dependable member of the national team.
It is a difficult decision, both politically and emotionally, because Baumann performed admirably when Germany required stability following Neuer’s retirement, and it will be heavily criticized if it does not work out. Nagelsmann has put a lot on the line with his choice.
As expected with older players, Neuer has not been in the best form in recent seasons. The now 40 year old has also struggled with fitness and injuries, most famously a leg break during a ski trip post World Cup in December 2022. But fantastic performances in the Champions League for the just concluded season have seemingly made Nagelsmann bring back the great German.
Julian Nagelsmann said on the decision:“I think everyone knows the aura surrounding Manu and the qualities he brings to the team. That’s why he absolutely deserves to be there.” Maybe there’s still something there with Neuer. Maybe there’s still fight in the old dog. We shall find out in due course.
