Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been told he’s “on par” with Lionel Messi as the most important player in history by Mario Gomez.
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Neuer has cemented his position as a true legend of the game during his career, winning the World Cup with Germany and countless titles with Bayern Munich. The goalkeeper has also changed the perception of the role of goalkeeper due to his ability with the ball at his feet and willingness to come far off his line, bringing the term ‘sweeper-keeper’ into the mainstream.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Gomez, who played alongside Neuer for both club and country, has piled praise on the goalkeeper and claimed he has had as big an influence on modern football as Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar is widely considered to be the greatest player to ever grace the game and is currently plying his trade in the MLS with Inter Miami, where he has raised the profile of the league and attracted record crowds.
WHAT GOMEZ SAID
Former Germany international Gomez told Bild‘s ‘Phrasenmäher’ podcast: “I would put Manuel Neuer on par with Messi in terms of importance for the game. I don’t even know if we are all aware of what we experienced with a goalkeeper who revolutionized the entire game. Only in 20 years will we realize this. He is the goalkeeper who made everyone realize that feet are as important as hands. The way he masters both is incredible.”
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WHAT NEXT FOR NEUER
Neuer is back in action on Wednesday in a Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena with the tie level at 2-2 after the first game in north London. The Bayern goalkeeper has already won the Champions League twice in his career and will be hoping to lift the European Cup for a third time this season.
