Pfaff: Neuer can be best in the world

By ESPNSTAR.com staff

Neuer has established himself as an integral part of Die Roten's setup ever since he joined the Bavarian giants from Schalke in 2011, and is usually one of the first names on the Bayern team sheet.

However, despite earning the plaudits for his performances for both Bayern and Germany, the 26-year-old has yet to win a major trophy with his current club or country, and Pfaff believes that is the only reason why people do not yet regard the German international as part of the goalkeeping elite in the world.

"He's a strong keeper, of course," Pfaff told TZ.

"But just because he's playing for Bayern doesn't mean he's the best in the world.

"Nobody talked about that when he was at Schalke. 

"He can become the best keeper in the world, but he must perform on the top level for some years, for example at the World Cup 2014.

Pfaff added that Neuer was a major factor for Bayern's current success in the Bundesliga; Die Roten are nine points clear at the top of the table and firmly on course to win the league.

"He's a big factor of stability, because his colleagues know that there's someone behind them who can sometimes save the impossible," Pfaff added.

"Neuer is two-footed, can solve any problem without hoofing away the ball. 

"He is playing nearly as well as his team-mates, he could play as a central defender. And that's a big advantage for Bayern.

"They do not have 10 outfield players but 11, that's why it is impossible for any opponent to put pressure on them."

Bayern have conceded a mere total of seven goals in 17 Bundesliga games this season, making them the team with the best defensive record.