The discussions surrounding Manuel Neuer show no signs of abating as the World Cup approaches. While critics question the Bayern captain’s fitness, the 40-year-old is now receiving prominent support from a true goalkeeping legend.
Manuel Neuer is one of the major topics in the German World Cup camp. Despite his recent calf issues, national team coach Julian Nagelsmann is counting on the experience of the 2014 World Cup champion for the tournament in North America. Not everyone can understand this decision, but now one of the greatest goalkeepers in soccer history has clearly sided with the Bayern star.
In an interview with Sport BILD, Dino Zoff explicitly defended Neuer’s selection. The former Italian national team goalkeeper knows from personal experience how to perform at the highest level even at the age of 40. Zoff led Italy to the World Cup title as captain in 1982 and still holds the record as the oldest World Cup champion in soccer history.
“The right decision”
For the now 84-year-old, there is no doubt that Nagelsmann made the right choice. “The nomination was definitely the right decision,” Zoff emphasized.
In his view, a goalkeeper’s age plays only a minor role. What matters far more, he says, is whether a keeper still possesses the necessary quality. Zoff believes Neuer still has exactly that.
As proof, the Italian points to the Bayern keeper’s performances on the international stage: “Even at 40, Neuer is still an exceptional goalkeeper. He proved that in the Champions League matches against Real Madrid and Paris St. Germain.”
Zoff particularly emphasizes the mental aspect. Unlike with outfield players, running distance isn’t the main focus for goalkeepers. “Unlike a field player, you don’t have to run as much. What matters is your mindset: you have to be mentally prepared and strong. And that’s Neuer,” explained the former World Cup champion.
It was precisely this experience and mental strength that apparently also played a decisive role for Julian Nagelsmann in bringing Neuer back after his retirement from the national team.
Neuer is working on a World Cup comeback
However, the fact remains: Neuer is not heading to the World Cup without some question marks.
The Bayern captain has once again been struggling with calf issues in recent weeks and therefore missed the friendly matches against Finland and the U.S. However, the 40-year-old is now back in team training and working intensively on his comeback.
Everything currently points to Neuer being between the posts for the World Cup opener against Curaçao. For the German national team, that would be an important signal.
For Dino Zoff, Neuer remains among the absolute best in the world.
“He’s very good at soccer, he’s solid on the line and still strong on high balls,” explained the goalkeeping legend, adding: “The attackers respect him. A goalkeeper has to exude authority, and that’s what Neuer does.”
With his experience, charisma, and quality, the Bayern keeper could once again be a decisive factor for the DFB squad at the World Cup. That’s exactly what not only Julian Nagelsmann is counting on, but also one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.