Goalkeeper Debate

⚽ Champions League news; 8pm BST kick-off (first leg: 2-1) ⚽ Arsenal v Sporting – updates | Live scores | Mail Michael “Yes Neuer is a great keeper, but when you pitch him against Yashin, Banks, you’re really not comparing like with like,” emails Jeremy Boyce. “Chalk and cheese. Yashin, famously, could pick the ball up off the ground with one hand. Banks was a genius, saw him live once, crap match, Everton v Stoke, 0-0, the only moment of magic was a save he made. Neither of these would have been able to ‘play out from the back’ or any of that because it was a different game then. You could still pass back to the keeper! Neuer is great, but really? Up there with those greats from a bygone age? If you’re looking for a great German goalkeeper how about Trautmann as the GGKOAT ? How many others have played on with a broken neck? No doubting that Trautmann is a legend for different reasons but he doesn’t touch Kahn or Sepp Maier, never mind Neuer. However, Jeremy does make a good point in comparing players from such different eras. It’s effectively impossible, as it was a completely different game and is just a subjective choice. But I’d have 1. Yashin 2. Neuer 3. Buffon (for what it’s worth).

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has refused to be drawn on who is the best goalkeeper of all time, claiming that in each era, a different shot-stopper could be given the title. Neuer is one of the names in the conversation, alongside his would-be opposite number, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Neuer has been one […] The post Manuel Neuer on greatest goalkeeper of all time debate: ‘It depends on the era’ appeared first on Football España.

The performance of Manuel Neuer with Bayern Munich against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League has sparked debate in Germany over whether he should be part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bayern Munich’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals was built, in part, on Manuel Neuer’s performance. That put the veteran goalkeeper back in the spotlight, fueling debate over whether he should return to the Germany national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “This version of Neuer is world-class; he belongs in the national team,” said legend Lothar Matthaus after the match, according to Marca. He also sent a message to the Germany head coach: “I hope Nagelsmann watched the match. I would love to see Neuer in this kind of form at the World Cup… but I also know that won’t happen. Nagelsmann won’t open that door.” That push comes nearly two years after Neuer’s retirement from international soccer. He chose to close that chapter of his career following Germany’s elimination from UEFA Euro 2024 in the quarterfinals against Spain. In that way, the goalkeeper said goodbye to Germany after 15 years, having first been called up in 2009. During that span, he played in four World Cups and four European Championships, and won the sport’s biggest prize at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. In total, he made 124 international appearances and recorded 54 clean sheets. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. “The best players have to go to the World Cup, and Manu is by far the best goalkeeper in the world,” said former star Benedikt Howedes, who was Neuer’s teammate at the 2014 World Cup. Even a current Germany and Bayern Munich player, Aleksandar Pavlovic, shared his view: “I would never say no to Manu, no matter his age. He is still an exceptional goalkeeper.” What did Neuer say about a possible return to Germany? Those calls for Manuel Neuer’s return to the Germany national team generated enough speculation that the 40-year-old goalkeeper addressed the topic himself after the match against Real Madrid in the Champions League. “Everything has already been said about it,” Neuer replied when asked about a potential appearance at the 2026 World Cup. Instead, he chose to focus on his club objectives: “What matters now is finishing the rest of the season with Bayern. I’m enjoying my time with the team, at the club, with the coaching staff. It’s true that I’m 40 years old, but I’m still here.” How have Germany replaced Neuer? Since Manuel Neuer’s international retirement, Julian Nagelsmann has been forced to test different options in goal for Germany. Over the past two years, the coach has used three different goalkeepers in official matches and friendlies. The most-used has been Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, with a total of 11 appearances. Behind him is Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has managed just four matches due to injury issues during his time with Barcelona, which have also kept him sidelined at Girona. The third goalkeeper selected by Nagelsmann is Stuttgart’s Alexander Nubel, who has featured in three matches.

Rog and Clint Dempsey go live with their instant reactions following USMNT 0-2 Portugal in Atlanta, Ga. They discuss Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to start the game without a natural striker, debate the Matt Turner vs Matt Freese goalkeeper conundrum, breakdown what makes a talented team like Portugal to difficult to beat, and assess what the final squad will look like heading into this summer. Then, Rog and Clint take listener calls. Order Rog's new book We Are the World (Cup) today!: https://mibcourage.co/4brQpgG Subscribe to The Men in Blazers Newsletter HERE: https://mibcourage.co/4sKjCcN See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Clint Dempsey takes the stage with Rog live in Atlanta for an unfiltered conversation about the USMNT’s road to the World Cup. Ahead of the USA vs. Belgium friendly, they break down the team’s biggest storylines—what to expect from Christian Pulisic? Which strikers should make the summer squad? Who should be Mauricio Pochettino’s first-choice goalkeeper? Then, Rog and Clint are joined by special guest, former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Guzan. The trio dive into key decisions, bold predictions, and fan questions in front of a lively crowd. Presented by Bank of America, the Official Bank of U.S. Soccer and the FIFA World Cup 2026. Order Rog's new book We Are the World (Cup) today!: https://mibcourage.co/4brQpgG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With several sides looking to restore some PROPA NAUGHTY ENGLISH PRIDE in the Champions League this week, Marcus, Luke and Jim wrestle with a potentially divisive opening question: should Pep Guardiola’s European record at Man City be seen as a failure? Elsewhere, after Max Dowman’s historic goal for Arsenal at the weekend, Marcus, Luke and Jim reflect on their favourite ‘burst onto the scene’ moments in football history. Plus, is David Raya the best goalkeeper in the world - and has commentary got worse?! Yes, is the answer to both of those. Get your Ramble merch HERE. Find us on Bluesky, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and email us here: [email protected]. Sign up to the Football Ramble Patreon for ad-free shows for just $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday throughout the Premier League season and every day throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Real Salt Lake’s David Ochoa sits down with Alexi Lalas and David Mosse to breakdown his team’s incredible playoff run last season and what MLS fans can expect from RSL this year. Later, Ochoa opens up about his time with the USMNT and why he ultimately switched to the Mexican national team. Finally, We made picks for who will win the big World Cup Qualifying game between the USMNT and Mexico on Thursday and looked at who’s the GOAT goalkeeper for Mexico. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Football fans, rejoice, for another edition of the Essential Football podcast is here! Ron Walker is joined by Sky Sports’ resident Evertonian Ben Grounds and our features writer of an Arsenal persuasion Nick Wright to reflect on another significant week at the top and bottom of the Premier League, and look ahead to the first international break of 2022… PART 1 | From a dramatic late winner, and a highly contentious red card, to a unique on-field protest and huge ramifications at the bottom of the table, 10-man Everton’s vital victory over Newcastle may have lacked quality, but it more than made up for it in talking points, which Nick, who was at Goodison for the first time, and Ben dissect PART 2 | With a few sore heads in east London after West Ham's stunning victory over Sevilla in the Europa League, we ask whether opportunity knocks for Tottenham to put an end to their London rivals’ Champions League qualification hopes with victory on Super Sunday, or whether the Hammers can continue riding this wave to further glory PART 3 | After Gareth Southgate announced his England squad for the March friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast, Nick questions the omission of Jadon Sancho and launches an impassioned defence of Harry Maguire’s inclusion, Ben explains why the door isn’t closed on Marcus Rashford, before the pair get stuck into the Jordan Pickford vs Aaron Ramsdale debate and examine who will be England No.1 heading into Qatar 2022 Listen to every episode of the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast here: skysports.com/sky-sports-premier-league-podcast You can listen to the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast". For all the latest football news, head to skysports.com/premier-league For advertising opportunities email: [email protected]