Manuel Neuer vs Marco van Basten
Germany against Netherlands. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Manuel Neuer
Germany · 2013–20 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Germany
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 128 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Schalke 04, FC Bayern Munich
- Honours
- 2× national Player of the Year (2011–2014) · 2× Hall of Fame (2019–2019)
Germany's back four pushed so high against Algeria on 30 June 2014 that he spent the night guarding the space behind them, racing beyond his box to head and hook the ball clear. A fortnight later he kept Argentina out for 120 minutes of the final, winning the World Cup and the Golden Glove, and his Bayern years brought the 2013 and 2020 Champions League inside two trebles plus five IFFHS awards as the world's best goalkeeper. Career record: 128 caps and 0 goals for Germany; club career at FC Schalke 04 II, Schalke 04, FC Bayern Munich; honours include 2× national Player of the Year (2011–2014), 2× Hall of Fame (2019–2019).
Marco van Basten
Netherlands · 1981–93 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in Netherlands
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 58 · 24 goals
- Clubs
- AFC Ajax, AC Milan
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1988 · FIFA World Player of the Year 1992
Widely considered one of the greatest strikers of all time, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner and Euro '88 champion was a phenomenon for AC Milan before his career was cut short by injury. Career record: 58 caps and 24 goals for Netherlands; club career at AFC Ajax, AC Milan; honours include Ballon d'Or 1988, FIFA World Player of the Year 1992.
The verdict
The almanac puts Manuel Neuer ahead by 1 rating point, 96 against 95.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.