4 goals conceded in 17 league matches in the Bundesliga. That’s the record that Bayern Munich has registered during their opening 17 matches in the German League.
Manuel Neuer has a huge role to play in having conceded such few goals as the German shot-stopper continues making standout performances and it has come to the point where it’s actually not surprising to see why Neuer is being nominated for the 2014 Ballon d’Or.
It’s highly unlikely that Neuer will win it but this is not due to the goal-keeper as he has done everything in his power to make himself known and demonstrate that he can compete against any player but the fact is that this title almost always goes to a player that can actually score goals, either a midfielder or a forward. Those players are the ones that make their name appear on the scoreboards and overshadow most of the others.
Nonetheless, this has not stopped a number of soccer figures to express their thoughts concerning the upcoming 2014 Ballon d’Or award ceremony and Chelsea’s ThibautCourtois stated that if Neuer is able to win it, it will open the doors to the rest of the goal-keepers around the world and that he would give the trophy to Neuer.
“It is important for a keeper to have the chance to win it because it would open the door to others. I’d give it to Neuer.” Chelsea’s ThibautCourtois said.
The coach of Belgium, Marc Wilmots has also voiced his opinion and stated that Manuel Neuer should win it.
“I initially voted for ArjenRobben, Manuel Neuer and Thibaut Courtois, so for me it’s Neuer. He’s the complete goalkeeper and, as far as I’m concerned, the best in the world. He had a perfect season, nearly won everything, and he’s consistent while making lots of progress.
“In addition to what he did with Bayern, he led Germany to the world title. So I think that, over the past year, we should reward a player who stopped goals, rather than the usual choice of going for players who scored them.” Belgium’s Marc Wilmots told the media.