Stats fuel goalkeeper debate: can Nagelsmann do without Neuer? | OneFootball

The discussion about Germany's number 1 is picking up speed again. Manuel Neuer is having an outstanding season at FC Bayern and is statistically the strongest goalkeeper in the Bundesliga. Nevertheless, a comeback in the national team remains out of the question - at least, if national coach Julian Nagelsmann has his way.

While Marc-André ter Stegen recently lost his regular place at FC Barcelona and is taking a break due to injury, Neuer shines week after week at the highest level. For many fans and experts, clear evidence that the 39-year-old remains the ultimate among German keepers.

Nagelsmann sees it differently. "Manu played a very good Club World Cup, but we made the decision very consciously," the national coach explained in early August, when asked about a possible comeback by Neuer. "Marc will be back in December, will play in March and June - and then the World Cup. He is number one if he is healthy and number one in the club. He knows that."

Statistics prove: Neuer is Germany's number 1

Purely in terms of sport, everything speaks for Neuer. With a rate of 78.6 percent of shots saved, he leads the Bundesliga ranking this season confidently. Behind him are Daniel Fernandes (HSV) with 77.1 percent and Gregor Kobel (BVB) and Alexander Nübel (VfB Stuttgart) each with 75 percent.

Explosive: The current DFB goalkeepers perform significantly worse. Oliver Baumann, who recently guarded the national goal in ter Stegen's absence, only manages 61.3 percent, putting him in second-to-last place in the Bundesliga comparison. Finn Dahmen (Mainz) is also far behind with 61.7 percent (16th place).

Neuer, on the other hand, not only delivers strong numbers but also stable performances - both in the Bundesliga and internationally. His reflexes, his presence in the penalty area, and his build-up play remain unmatched.

Sammer warns: Waiving Neuer would be a risk

Many experts therefore view the national coach's decision critically. Matthias Sammer was particularly clear, explaining to Sky this week: "If we can afford to do without the best, then we should not give out the World Cup title." The former DFB sports director sees it as risky to voluntarily waive the most experienced and in-form German goalkeeper.

Neuer himself stays out of the public debate. The Bayern captain recently stressed that he is "fully focused on FC Bayern". However, rumors suggest he would not shy away from a comeback - provided Nagelsmann actively seeks the conversation.

But the national coach remains consistent. All signs point to Germany going into the 2026 World Cup with Marc-André ter Stegen as number one. Purely from a sporting perspective, this would still be a gamble - because the statistics clearly show: The best German goalkeeper is currently in Munich between the posts.

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