An excerpt from Peter Prickett’s 3v3: Inspired By Legends:

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Manuel Neuer

Country – Germany

Club(s) – Schalke 04, Bayern Munich

Games – Club 700+, Country 110+

Goals – Club 0, Country 0

Notable achievements – FIFA World Cup 2014, UEFA Champions League 2012/13 & 2019/20, Nine Bundesliga titles (Bayern Munich), FIFA World Cup Golden Glove 2014

Key characteristics – Exceptional shot-stopping ability, high concentration, excellent reactions and reflexes, reading of the game, archetypal sweeper keeper, speed off his line, high quality distribution with both hands and feet, vocal communicator.

Profile – There have been many “sweeper keepers” over the decades, but few have been so proficient in the role as Manuel Neuer. His ability to read the game, sprint off his line, and be reliable in possession have allowed a succession of Bayern Munich coaches to play with high field position in the knowledge that Neuer will protect the whole half. The approach may carry risks, but the few times those risks have not come off have been far outweighed by the successes. Germany have also benefitted from the excellence of Neuer as he played a key role in their 2014 World Cup victory.

Highlighted Attribute – Sweeper keeper. Manuel Neuer is one of the game’s greatest exponents of the sweeper keeper role, leaving his line to help cover the space behind the defence.

When players are attempting to replicate Neuer’s skill set can they –

• Be brave and bold with their starting position away from the goal posts.
• Anticipate that the ball will be coming through.
• Be on the front foot.
• Stay calm on the ball.

Game 1

Play begins with dark grey on halfway passing the ball into the white sweeper keeper on the left side. The two light grey players move to press the ball while the two dark grey players step into the pitch to receive. Can the left-hand sweeper keeper play forward to start an attack?

The sweeper keeper on the right side looks for opportunities to leave the goal and intercept any forward passes.

When the ball leaves the pitch, restart with another pass from halfway.

Alternate set up – Use a much longer pitch to lengthen the distance of goalkeeper distribution.

Game 2

Divide the pitch into five zones. The game is 2v2 in the central zone (A). The goalkeepers start in the end zones (C) but aim to intercept any balls that enter zone B.

Game 3

The game is a 3v2 in the central zone. The grey team aim to break into the end zone and score. They may only score in the end zone. The light grey team aim to prevent them with the goalkeeper looking to sweep up any through passes. If the light grey players win the ball, they can score in the two mini goals.