The German Manuel Neuer completed 18 games played in different European Championships this Sunday, surpassing Gianluigi Buffon as the goalkeeper with the most appearances in this tournament. The historic Italian goalkeeper played 17 games in the continental national team tournament, compared to Neuer’s 18, the 16 of the Portuguese Rui Patricio and the Dutchman Erwin van der Saar and the 15 of the Frenchman Hugo Lloris.
Neuer became the first-choice goalkeeper for the German national team in 2010 and has retained that status in all tournaments since, with the exception of the 2016 Confederations Cup, which he did not attend. His presence has been indisputable for each and every one of the coaches that the ‘Mannschaft’ has had in recent years.
Not even the presence of Ter Stegen, called up to replace him a few years ago, has interrupted the career of a Neuer who, when he has been able to be at 100%, has undoubtedly proven to be one of the great goalkeepers of the last decade.
Reliable in one-on-ones, alert and with exquisite footwork, few goalkeepers represent the modern goalkeeper more than a Manuel Neuer who still seems to have a lot left to offer. We will see in the coming years if he can continue to increase his difference as the goalkeeper with the most appearances in the European Championships. A legend, like Gianluigi Buffon.
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