Bayern Munich has been proven right about securing Manuel Neuer’s future.
Two years ago, Bayern Munich had suffered yet another disappointment in the Champions League as they suffered a narrow defeat on aggregate against Real Madrid. The German champions were without several players as they played the European champions without their talisman goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer.
Neuer had struggled with foot injuries for that season. He was on sidelines for months due to this injury. The German goalkeeper returned to fitness just before the World Cup in summer, but he didn’t look his usual self during that tournament.
During Niko Kovac‘s debut season, Neuer showed flashes of brilliance, but there were unusual errors in the game. It felt like that time out due to injury had taken a toll on him. The likes of Alisson and Ederson were considered better than German goalkeeper. Moreover, there were doubts about his place in the starting XI for Germany. It felt like that Neuer was going to have an uncharacteristic end to his phenomenal career.
However, winners don’t go down with a fight. When the odds were against Neuer, he took time to rediscover his best form. With every passing game this season, Neuer showed the signs of his usual self, delivering top performances when the team needed him the most.
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In the past couple of weeks, Neuer showed that his return to the top is complete after delivering stellar performances in the semi-final and final of the Champions League. Die Roten were warned that playing a high line defense against Paris-Saint Germain could be suicidal, but when you have a goalkeeper like Neuer, there is no need to move away from your preferred style of play.
The German goalkeeper was a human wall in the final. He was not even allowing Kylian Mbappe to score even in one vs one situation, a trait that made Neuer one of the best goalkeepers in the past. In such situations, Neuer dominates the forward. The pressure is on the attacking player rather than Neuer as his huge frame creates an ominous shadow of uncertainty in the mind of the opponent.
The presence of Neuer gives the back four more confidence to play on the front foot and impose themselves against top teams. His shot-stopping qualities give assurance while his ability on the ball gives Die Roten more impetuous in the build-up. Neuer acts like an outfield player when Bayern is dominating the ball.
Die Roten has been efficient with their rebuild in the last two years. The German champions also decided to improve options in the goalkeeping department. Alexander Nubel arrived from Schalke this summer on a free transfer to bolster Rekordmeister’s options in goal.
There was a brief spell earlier this year when there was speculation regarding Neuer’s future due to the impending arrival of Nubel. However, Bayern remained firm on their stance and finally reached an agreement to secure Neuer’s future. They have been proven right about this renewal as Neuer is at the top of his game after seeing out injury woes. He is back to being the best goalkeeper in the world.