Thierry Henry: 'Manuel Neuer is a pioneer'

Former France striker Thierry Henry has claimed that Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is a revolutionary figure in his position.

The 28-year-old, who has developed into a sweeper-keeper, finished third in the voting for the 2014 Ballon d'Or behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, after winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal with Bayern plus the World Cup with his country.

Henry believes that Neuer will inspire a new generation of goalkeepers, who will be more involved in the defensive side of football rather than remaining static between the sticks.

"I think we definitely saw something new. Neuer changed what we perceive as the job of a goalkeeper," Henry told FIFA's official website. "The role had already evolved when keepers were prohibited from picking up back-passes, but the person who has really revolutionised the position is Neuer.

"With Neuer, it's like you always have an extra man. That change also owes much to the freedom he's been given by his coach, but Neuer can do it as he's a truly great goalkeeper.

"He always stays composed when making his passes - he's like a genuine libero. That role really emerged in the '80s and '90s but now Neuer is the new libero. That's what amazed everyone at that World Cup, and now all keepers will start to play like him."

Neuer joined Bayern from Schalke in 2011.