FourFourTwo's best team ever: Our ultimate XI of the last 30 years

Presenting the best team ever - of FourFourTwo's lifetime, at least: an XI who have defined the past 30 years of football

GK: Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer of Germany celebrates after Jamal Musiala of Germany (not pictured) scores his team's first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Germany and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 19, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany

Manuel Neuer of Germany celebrates at Euro 2024 (Image credit: Getty Images)

Aged six when the back-pass rule came into effect, Manuel Neuer comes from the very first generation of goalkeepers forced to use their feet. The German redefined what it is to be a goalkeeper in the modern game.

Running matches from his own half, throughout his career he has unlocked teammates from traditional tactical shackles and handed his managers a player advantage, such is his ability with the ball at his feet. No goalkeeper has done more to redefine the position as much as Neuer in the last 30 years.

In turn, he has helped reshape the look and feel of football in general, with technical play out from the back now a true staple of the game today at the highest level. But to label Neuer a midfielder in gloves is a massive disservice.

His ability to make saves in high-pressure situations make him a true great. From distance, or close range the man is a human wall.

Physicality, aura, and calmness: the sweeper-keeper has swept the lot when it comes to trophies: a World Cup, two Champions Leagues, 11 Bundesligas, seven Germany Super Cups, six German cups, and at 38 he shows no sign of stopping.

Matthew Ketchell

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.

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