Kicker ’s new goalkeeper rankings have provided plenty of food for thought. While Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel once again underlines his special status, Manuel Neuer falls well behind in the internal Bundesliga comparison. For the FC Bayern captain, it’s a ranking that raises more questions than answers
As usual, kicker published its ranking of German soccer during the winter break and rated the performances of the Bundesliga players in the first half of the season according to position. There is no player who is rated „world class“ among the goalkeepers. However, Gregor Kobel is clearly at the top of the „international class“ category
The Swiss player from BVB impressed the editors with his consistency, presence and decisive saves, leaving Peter Gulacsi from RB Leipzig behind, who was ranked at the top in the summer. Oliver Baumann from TSG Hoffenheim follows in third place, who has made a remarkable leap forward and is now also counted as international class
Neuer now only national class – debate about DFB goal reignited
For Manuel Neuer, the verdict is much more sober. The 39-year-old only makes it into the „national class“ category and is even ranked behind several league rivals. The Bayern captain thus loses further ground compared to the summer edition, when he was still listed as the best keeper in this category
The kicker ranking does not fit in with the recent calls for Neuer to make a comeback in goal for the German national team. Rather, it is striking that several German goalkeepers are ranked ahead of the Bayern veteran. Even more remarkable: with Alexander Nübel, Noah Atubolu and Finn Dahmen, three keepers who were recently nominated by national coach Julian Nagelsmann are completely missing from the ranking
The critical view of Neuer is supported by goalkeeping legend Uli Stein. According to Stein, there are currently „more questions than answers“ regarding the Bayern goalkeeper. In his opinion, the discussion about a return to the DFB goal should be ended
For FC Bayern, the ranking is not a sporting turning point, but a further signal that the public perception of Neuer is changing.
