Three reasons why Germany needs Manuel Neuer for the World Cup

TL;DR

Manuel Neuer's potential return to the German national team for the World Cup is crucial due to injuries among other goalkeepers. His experience and skill could provide Germany with a much-needed advantage in the tournament.

Key points

Manuel Neuer's experience is crucial for Germany's World Cup hopes.
Germany's goalkeeping options are limited due to injuries.
Neuer has elite skills that can benefit the team.
Franz Beckenbauer is the only German to win the World Cup twice.

Mentioned in this story

Manuel NeuerJulian NagelsmannFranz BeckenbauerMarc-André ter StegenOliver BaumannAlexander NübelJonas Urbig

Bayern MunichGermanyReal Madrid

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 09: Manuel Neuer of Germany and Bayern Munich poses with the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy prior to The Best FIFA Football Awards at Kameha Zurich Hotel on January 9, 2017 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Manuel Neuer could not evade the World Cup question on the eve of lifting the Bundesliga for a record 13th time with Bayern Munich. Germany is suffering from lack of personnel and experience at the highest level due to injuries and the 40 year-old Neuer is someone who can never be ruled out in such circumstances. The Bayern captain was categorically clear that his return to the German team is not a topic for now. Post the final matchday in the Bundesliga, Neuer could not be convinced to give a definite answer. Instead he chose to focus on the DFB-Pokal finals and left the decision to the national manager Julian Nagelsmann (as captured by @iMiaSanMia):

Manuel Neuer asked about the national team/World Cup: “Ask the coach. For me this is not a topic right now. The focus is on the DFB Pokal final”

• Is a comeback ruled out or not? Neuer: “Not a topic right now” However, despite Neuer’s repeated reluctance, reports broke that Nagelsmann is, indeed, calling up Neuer to go to North America for the tournament. Here are three reasons why Neuer should consider one last dance with Germany for the World Cup.

Q&A

Why does Germany need Manuel Neuer for the World Cup?

Germany needs Neuer for his unmatched experience and skill, especially with injuries sidelining other key goalkeepers.

What is Manuel Neuer's current status regarding the World Cup?

Manuel Neuer has not confirmed his participation in the World Cup but reports suggest he may be called up by coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Who are the other goalkeepers available for Germany in the World Cup?

The other goalkeepers include Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel, and Jonas Urbig, but they lack the experience needed for such a high-stakes tournament.

Has any German player won the World Cup twice as a player?

No, only Franz Beckenbauer has won the World Cup twice, once as a player and once as a manager; Neuer could be the first to win it twice as a player.