Sepp Maier backs Manuel Neuer for Ballon d'Or

Manuel Neuer continues to receive plaudits from legends of the game ahead of the FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony. Recently, we've seen Andriy Shevchenko and Oliver Kahn come out in favor of Neuer receiving the award, and today we can add another name to the list.

In an extensive interview with AZ, Maier talked about why Neuer deserves to win the Ballon d'Or.

"Blind people will have decided who wins the award if Neuer doesn't win the Ballon d'Or this year. He was crowned world champion and voted best goalkeeper in the world. You have to be part of a great team in order to achieve this and be among the best both nationally and internationally. This is all part of it and Neuer has it all."

And, he doesn't see any reason why Neuer should not be the favorite.

"Still, why should Neuer not win it? Neuer is a superb player. He is the most perfect goalkeeper in the world. He is great with crosses, always alert rushing off his line and has great reflexes as well. He can do anything. There is nothing for which I could criticize him."

Maier says that his final three for the award would be Neuer, Philipp Lahm, and Arjen Robben.

Are we willing to believe yet that the voters will select a goalkeeper?