It is funny how quickly things change.
Just a few days prior to the match against Real Madrid, Manuel Neuer was lambasted for the two goals he conceded in Bayern Munich’s last-gasp 3-2 victory over SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga and his quality, given he had just turned 40, was once again called into question. Then he plays against Real and puts in a phenomenal performance to help Bayern come out as 2-1 winners over Los Blancos as everyone praises him for retaining his quality despite reaching his 40th
birthday.
Naturally, all this talk led to Vincent Kompany being asked post match if Neuer is the greatest goalkeeper of all time. Laughing, the Belgian coach answered in his regular, measured manner: “You’re gonna get me in trouble with guys like [Madrid goalkeeper and Kompany’s former Belgium teammate] Thibaut Courtois, whom I like very much as well,” Kompany said with a laugh about his friend, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, before giving a more serious answer. “Look, everybody can have their own choice, but Manu is one of the very few. He’s been doing it for a very, very long time. Not many keepers are able to perform at this age.”
That he can put in these kinds of performances at his age does indeed of a tremendous longevity that very few goalkeepers can boast. Along with this, the peak of his career includes redefining modern goalkeeping, making the Ballon D’or podium as well as winning the World Cup and the Champions League. Whether one has another favorite or not, it is difficult to not include in the conversations to be the best of all time.
BFW Analysis
Subjectively, he is by far the best. But that’s just the opinion of this writer.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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