It’s time to celebrate the quiet men.
Lynx Black is all about celebrating the quiet men. Those who cut through all the noise with their immense talent.
Manuel Neuer, you are one such man.
You certainly ‘bring the quiet’ and we salute you.
Here’s the profile of one of our favourite icons, who does the talking with his talent.
Early career
Neuer made his debut for his hometown club, Schalke, during the 2006/07 season at the tender age of 20. He quickly ousted Frank Rost from the starting position and became a staple in a Schalke side pushing for Champions League football.
Neuer’s performance against Porto in the 2007/08 Champions League cemented his place as one of the best prospects in world football. Almost single handedly, Neuer dragged Schalke through after a gruelling 120 minutes and two penalty saves.
He was one of only three Bundesliga players who played every minute of the 2007/08 league season.
By 2010, he was a staple in the German international side and had become one of the most well-rounded keepers in football. He played every game for Germany during their 2010 World Cup run, apart from their 3rd place play-off.
It seemed like a natural progression that Neuer would become captain of Schalke. That’s exactly what happened in the 2010/11 season.
It worked out quite well too. Schalke reached the Champions League semi-final for the first time in 2010/11 and the following season, Neuer lifted the DFB Pokal.
Simple brilliance
The keeper moved to Bayern for €22 million in July 2011, making him the world’s second most expensive goalkeeper.
Bayern fans were reluctant to embrace Neuer as one of their own after his move, due to their intense rivalry with Schalke. However, the keeper’s impressive form saw him become not only a respected team member, but also a fan’s favourite.
His penalty shoot-out saves against Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka in the 2012 Champions League semi-finals further secured his place as an indispensable component of a great Bayern side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyagsF1FIMI
At this stage of his career, he was also the unquestionable number 1 for Germany. He was ever-present in the side’s unsuccessful challenge for Euro 2012.
Neuer was supreme throughout the tournament and only conceded two goals in what was deemed the pre-tournament group of death (Portugal, Netherlands & Denmark).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AOWAJhhl-k
A true champion
He went on to win the Champions League with Bayern (as well as a slew of domestic titles) during the 2012/13 season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKK3aaiClVA
Bayern lost to Chelsea in the following season’s final. Despite this, Neuer looked fantastic throughout.
He even managed to score a penalty in the shoot-out.
His greatest triumph was to come during the summer of 2014. Neuer was an integral part of the German team that won the World Cup.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPfZeyj3Ico
His sweeper-style goalkeeping revolutionised the position.
He was fantastic throughout and managed to pick up the Golden Glove.
So, Manuel Neuer, you are our Lynx Black’s Quiet Man
An immensely talented man, who has always let his talent do the talking.
And we haven’t even mentioned your voice acting on the German version of Disney’s Monster’s University.
Brought to you by Lynx Black. Bring the Quiet.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
