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Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer to prove he’s still the best at World Cup

By Michael Philander

KLAGENFURT, AUSTRIA - JUNE 02: Manuel Neuer, goalkeeper of Germany reacts during the International Friendly match between Austria and Germany at Woerthersee Stadion on June 2, 2018 in Klagenfurt, Austria. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
KLAGENFURT, AUSTRIA - JUNE 02: Manuel Neuer, goalkeeper of Germany reacts during the International Friendly match between Austria and Germany at Woerthersee Stadion on June 2, 2018 in Klagenfurt, Austria. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich and Germany’s Manuel Neuer will be out to prove he is still the best goalkeeper in the world as he overcomes his injury hit season.

Manuel Neuer sustained a metatarsal fracture back in April 2017 against Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. This injury caused him to miss the beginning of the ’17-18 season as he continued his rehabilitation. Last September, Manuel Neuer made a comeback to the Bayern Munich team.

However, after four matches Neuer re-injured his foot in training and required surgery. Manu did not compete in any matches after this point for the remainder of the season, as Sven Ulriech deputized for him. Ulriech did a very good job for most the campaign. Sadly, one of the few mistakes he did make was in the Champions League semi-final that contributed to Bayern’s elimination from the tournament. It has been speculated that had Neuer been in goal, especially for that match, Bayern may have gone on to win the tournament.

A fight for fitness

As the 17/18 season came to a close, Manuel Neuer’s fight for fitness ramped up in an attempt to make Germany’s World Cup squad. Neuer made great progress, to the point that he could’ve started the final few games of the season.

Bayern Munich tried to preserve their star ‘keeper, though, and let Neuer continue his rehabilitation throughout the season, allowing Ulriech to see out the season as Bayern’s starter between the sticks. Before the final match of the season, Jupp Heynckes stated that “[Neuer] has been training well and it is great to see the condition he is in. Manuel has absolutely no problems. Physically he is fully fit.” He went on, “But he will not play from the start” (via Eurosport).

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Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s claim

Speculation over Neuer’s place in the German national team began after his inclusion in the World Cup provisional squad. Many fans, especially those from Barcelona, wanted Marc-André ter Stegen to be made the first team keeper after a remarkable season with the Catalans.

Joachim Low, however, remained unmoved on this opinion. “If [Neuer] goes to the World Cup, he is the number one,” says Low in the ARD on Neuer (via Kicker). This opinion angered ter Stegen somewhat, as the player said “When you have played all season and have always maintained the highest level, it is a disappointing situation” (via Marca). He also added that “I will try to be a help for Manuel [Neuer].”

What Neuer could prove at the World Cup

At this World Cup, Manuel Neuer will be looking to show that he is still the best goalkeeper in the world. As captain of the national side, he will be trying to lead his team to a back-to-back World Cup win, something that has not been done for over half a century.

Neuer will also gain a lot of match practice in high pressure situations that will help him as Bayern go into a new dawn next season. In the few pre-World Cup friendlies he participated in, Manuel Neuer has shown that he is still a force to be reckoned with. Specifically in the friendly versus Austria, Neuer looked as though he had shaken off any rust, as he resumed his role of sweeper-keeper well, making some wonderful saves. Although Germany lost the match 2-1, Neuer’s performance was the standout display.

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In conclusion, Manuel Neuer will be looking to show everyone he is still the best this summer and remove any doubt that he is a better choice than Marc-Andre ter Stegen. As captain, he will also be looking to motivate his team toward a record back-to-back World Cup win, all the while gaining some vital match experience to help him when he goes back to Munich for the new season.