Bayern Alumni: Xabi Alonso says Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer is the best he’s ever played with

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso had a strong career on Säbener Straße after stints with Real Sociedad, Liverpool, and Real Madrid. During that time, Alonso played with a lot of excellent teammates.

One of his colleagues that impressed him more than anyone, however, was 2014 World Cup winner and Bayern Munich stalwart Manuel Neuer. Neuer, who some consider the best goalkeeper of all-time, made a huge impac on Alonso.

On a recent appearance on Jamie Carragher’s “The Greatest Game” podcast, Alonso was asked to name his ultimate five-aside squad and his goalkeeper was no surprise — Neuer.

“Manuel Neuer,” Alonso said (as captured by Twitter account @iMiaSanMia). “For me, he’s the best I’ve ever seen, and the best I’ve ever played with. He’s got a superpower to reach far, have composure, read the game, good in the air, in his goal, big personality. He’s the best.”

Alonso’s appreciation for Neuer is well-deserved and not surprising.