That's a fair point that De Gea won't be playing in the tournament this season. But has Neuer impressed hugely in the CL?
Juventus at Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpmB4h22HPY A very good save at 3:00, the first goal if you were critical you could blame on Neuer for coming out too early and kicking it to the goalscorer. The 2nd goal was great by Morata and nothing else could be done. Then Neuer got hugely lucky for not costing Juve a third with woeful distribution straight to the Juve player. Other than that, a load of completely expected saves with very little action.
Juventus Away https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By-Clm8TMys 4:35 he saves a shot hit just above him at his near post- I'd think most top division keepers would save that. Makes a good punch towards the end but other than that I don't even know why that video was made haha. Nothing that could be done for either of the goals, tidy finishes.
Benfica Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jx_G71nm2g 1:20 pretty cool superman punch which I liked. 2:30 he comes out and passes nicely to his free defender to stop the attack. 2:50 that's a decent save but is hit just to his left, he gets in position very well though.
Benfica Away https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijzkkx2u_tw 2:15 Benfica score, Neuer comes for the cross and gets pipped by the attacker- could say he makes a mistake but I think whether he stays or goes, that header is going in. 3:00 that's an easy save but should have been finished so much better. 4:00 he comes out and nods it to the defence.. I like that. 6:00 Benfica second holy shit good luck with that one.. cracking free kick but Neuer is caught flat footed for my money.
Atleti Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfGTdC6Wg2g 2:35 and 4:20 he claims crosses well but I'd expect that from anyone. Don't think you can ever favour the keeper in a 1 on 1 so Griezmann's goal gets a pass and a very good penalty save at a saveable height though.
Atleti Away https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW4jBtmagOI 6:30 an ok save that I fully expect him to make. Can't do anything about Saul's goal.
Arsenal Away https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqcjBZs4nOA Interesting game this. 1:55 comes for the cross and completely flaps it leading to a goal. Can't do anything about the second goal despite a stellar effort. 0:45 CORRR BLIMEY what a fucking save!
Arsenal Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvZDXpMaZ_I 2:25 that is a great goal, nothing to do about that. 1:25 he comes out does the normal kick out wide.
I've genuinely enjoyed going through them while having the Germany game on. Not saying Neuer is not a fantastic player, but the Champions League can't be held over De Gea saying there's no argument for him to be the best keeper in the world when by my count, there's one world class save in the entire Champions League campaign against Arsenal (in a game they lost anyway). 1:07 for a world class save (in my opinion) by De Gea in the Europa League against Liverpool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjCHQgm8MWQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjCHQgm8MWQ And there's a couple of decent ones there by DDG as well. If I've missed anything against either Olympiacos or Zagreb let me know, but the Germany game is over now. In my biased view there is definitely a debate to be had. Both top top class keepers and my point is that to hold the fact DDG doesn't play in the Champions League over him as to why he's not as good as Neuer, does him a disservice as Neuer this season hasn't done that much to show why he's so much better, in the competition that DDG hasn't played in the KO stage of.