Welcome to #EuroRank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the European Championship. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from across the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day, when France plays Romania on June 10.
Why is Manuel Neuer in the top 25?
The idea of a sweeper keeper, where a goalkeeper is as comfortable with the ball at his feet as the defenders around him, was not a new concept, but Neuer has made the role his own as a truly dominant figure for the German national team and Bayern Munich. It also helps that he has a supreme grasp of the other skills that any great goalie must possess. When Germany needed him during their run to winning the 2014 World Cup, Neuer was not found wanting. Still just 30, he maintains standards that his peers must try and reach.
What the experts say about Neuer:
"Manuel is simply a super footballer, he could basically play in outfield -- in defence. He has an eye for situations and can anticipate moves." -- Legendary Bayern and Germany goalkeeper Sepp Maier, January 2015.
"Without Neuer it would have been a debacle. For me he is one of the best if not the best goalkeeper at the finals. The team has not clicked yet, there is no unity." -- Former Germany goalkeeper Toni Schumacher, after Neuer had been instrumental in a round-of-16 victory over Algeria in the 2014 World Cup.
Career highlight:
Keeping a clean sheet in a World Cup final, as Neuer did it 2014, is the ultimate achievement for a goalkeeper, even if he was not severely tested by Argentina's attackers.
Stat of the season:
Neuer came third in the table of clean sheets from Europe's top five leagues, keeping 20, behind Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon on 21 and Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak on 24.
What next for Neuer after Euro 2016?
Like the rest of his Bayern colleagues, he is on a long-term deal and contracted to the Allianz Arena until 2021.
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