Manuel Neuer Does Manuel Neuer Things, Then Breaks Bundesliga Record For Good Measure

In perhaps the most Manuel Neuer moment of the season so far, Bayern Munich's goalkeeper ran 40 yards off his line before delivering a pinpoint crossfield pass during the club's 4-0 win against Union Berlin.

If you have ever had the pleasure of watching Neuer down the years, then you'll know about his ability to aid his teammates by completely disregarding his goal-line.

Some say the 35-year-old German gave the term 'sweeper-keeper' a completely new meaning when he burst onto the Bundesliga scene.

Neuer has revolutionised the art of goalkeeping with his forward-thinking, intelligent play. I mean, you don't see something like this very often, do you?

The German international takes the ball down with his chest before bringing the ball to around the 40-yard mark.

He looks up, wraps his trusty right foot behind the ball and sprays a perfect pass to Lucas Hernandez at left-wing back.

It was a moment that left social media in awe. One Twitter user wrote: "No player has revolutionised a role as much as Manuel Neuer has revolutionised goalkeeping. Privileged to watch him play."

Another said: "Whoever doubts that Manuel Neuer is still the best goalkeeper in the world just doesn’t watch him regularly, simple as that."

A third added: "I don't think there will be another Manuel Neuer again. His presence in goal for Bayern gives them more hope and boosts their confidence."

The experienced goalkeeper, who created a new Bundesliga record for most top-flight wins [311] after Bayern Munich's 4-0 win over Union Berlin, isn't too bad with his hands, either.

To get past Lazio's high press last year, Neuer picked up the ball at the edge of the box and quickly threw the ball to full-back Alphonso Davies like a scrum-half would in rugby.

Although it looked rather funny, he managed to find his man and Bayern went on the attack.

To be fair, he was probably a tad bored. Neuer didn't have to do much in the Champions League clash as Bayern secured an emphatic 4-1 at the The Stadio Olimpico.

Is Neuer one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy/Bundesliga

Topics: Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, Germany

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_