Manuel Neuer is indisputably the greatest goalkeeper in the world right now, but should also be regarded as it's best player. Here are five reasons why he should win the 2014 Ballon D'Or.
Individual achievement
Considering that the main focus of the Ballon D'Or is how well a player performs individually, there is no position that isolates a player as much as that of a goalkeeper. The likes of Messi and Ronaldo may be able to keep scoring a remarkable amount of goals if they are given good service, but with a keeper, the opposite is true. It's Neuer's responsibility to step up when he's defence leaves him a sitting duck and there's nobody around to help him make saves.
The World Cup
Manuel Neuer is a world champion. He won the biggest tournament in the world and was a massive factor is his team's accomplishment as the only European team to have won it in South America.
Distribution
Whenever Neuer makes a save, his first thought is distribution, and he plays a key role when setting up counter-attacks, meaning that, even though he's at the other end of the pitch, he can play a big role in many goals.
Revolutionary
Neuer has simply revolutionized the role that a goalkeeper has on the pitch. It's no longer just about shot-stopping and claiming crosses or even about distribution (he does all with excellence), but he has re-invented the role of "sweeper-keeper" and has set the tone for a new generation of goalkeepers.
Silverware
Apart from the Champions League, Neuer won every single major tournament that he was involved in in 2014. The German double and the World Cup is a very good return, and to emphasise the role he played, think about the fact that he only conceded 24 goals in 34 league appearances and only two in cup games!
So there you have it, these are five reasons why Neuer should win this year's Ballon D'Or. I'm convinced…
Do you think Neuer should win the Ballon D'Or?
