3. Manuel Neuer
If you aren’t yet convinced that professional football has aliens plying their trade in a world of mortals, Manuel Neuer can make you reflect unfavourably on that particular thought. Blessed with the reach of an NBA shooting guard, the rocket arm of a javelin thrower, the touch of an outfield player and the cool head of a pilot in command, Neuer is a safety valve of a goalkeeper who has redefined the basic role and perception of his job.
It speaks volumes about his dominance at the position that he is the only goalkeeper to ever belong in this conversation for such a length of time as him.
As Bayern Munich and Germany’s most reliable player, Neuer has had a strong season domestically. He bagged the Bundesliga Golden Glove yet again and was also a key part of Bayern’s DFB-Pokal victory over Dortmund on penalties.
With 4 games played and 4 clean sheets in the Euros so far, Neuer has preserved the momentum from the season past. Marshalled by a sturdy back four, Neuer hasn’t had a lot to do but is yet to put a foot wrong in the tournament, and one can only rule his candidature out for so long if he wins these Euros with Germany to make it an enviable international double.
Best-case scenario:
Germany win the Euros without conceding a single goal.
Worst-case scenario:
Germany lose to Italy in regulation time due to an uncharacteristic Neuer error.
