Manuel Neuer defines the word ‘genius’. The much-celebrated German shot-stopper has had an incredible career with Bayern Munich and the German national team and is certain to go down as one of the all-time greats of his generation when he finally decides to hang his gloves up.
The two-time treble-winning goalkeeper who lifted the FIFA World Cup for the German national team in 2014 has also developed a reputation for being one of the pioneers of the role that is now known worldwide as the ‘sweeper keeper’ – as Neuer has made a career out of acting as an auxiliary defender for club and country, sweeping up for his defenders whenever out of position.
Neuer’s genius does not just stop at his goalkeeping ability, as could be seen when league leaders Bayern Munich met the second-placed RB Leipzig in their Bundesliga clash last night.
The kick-off to the top of the table clash in Germany’s first division was postponed as one of the match officials spotted a tear in one of the nets.
In an attempt to make life easier for the referee so that the players could start with the game, an impatient Neuer in goal for Bayern tied up the torn ends of the net with his towel – showing his genius thinking that has caught quite a few forwards lacking when displayed by his extraordinary distribution of the ball throughout his career.
Unfortunately, the linesman was having none of it, as his dissatisfaction urged him to call out for a member of the ground staff to apply for a more professional repair job.
The game could finally commence when the groundsmen were done with their work, as the record German champions Bayern eventually came out as 1-0 winners on the night at the Red Bull Arena, courtesy of a first-half Leon Goretzka strike.
Bayern extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points, and look well on course to win their ninth Bundesliga title on the bounce.
Manuel Neuer keeping clean sheets and fixing nets.
