Baumann hails Neuer: “One of the world’s top three goalkeepers” | OneFootball

Even at 39 years old, Manuel Neuer is still considered the benchmark for goalkeeping at FC Bayern – and this impression is now also confirmed from within the national team. Although the 2014 World Cup winner announced his retirement from the DFB team about a year ago, his influence on German football remains unbroken.

National goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, currently the number one in the DFB goal under national coach Julian Nagelsmann, had only words of praise for the Bayern captain in Sport BILD: "He definitely sets the standard, Manuel is one of the top 3 goalkeepers in the world."

"Manu is above things"

Photo: IMAGO | Photo: IMAGO,

The 35-year-old from TSG Hoffenheim emphasized how valuable and respectful the exchange with Neuer is. "We are in a very good exchange," Baumann explained, highlighting the personality of the Bayern icon. "Manu is above things, both humanly and athletically."

Neuer, who has long since returned to his old strength at the club, remains the national reference point for many professionals. Even if he is no longer active for the DFB team, he is still considered a role model for the new generation. Speculations about a comeback for the World Cup next summer were recently dismissed by the Bayern keeper himself.

Baumann wants to seize his opportunity

Meanwhile, a late but great opportunity opens up for Baumann. After the injury of Marc-André ter Stegen, he took over the place between the posts and will already play his seventh and eighth international matches in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.

"For me, it is a privilege to be in the national team, and I want to help the team. For a long time, this was in the background, on the bench. At the moment it is on the field," Baumann said.

At the same time, he remains realistic and loyal to his colleagues: "When Marc is back in the club and returns, then I will support him and carry any coach's decision." Nevertheless, he is ambitious to hold the position as long as possible: "I really enjoy it, and I want to play even more international matches."

It is becoming apparent: Even if Neuer is no longer active in the DFB team, his shadow – in a positive sense – is large. For Baumann and the other German keepers, the Bayern captain is still the benchmark.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.