Cech tips Neuer to end Casillas's reign as FIFPro World XI goalkeeper

Dec 24, 2013 10:00:00 AM

The Chelsea star joins the Germany international on the FIFPro World XI shortlist for the No.1 spot, with all positions announced for the team of the year on January 13

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Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has tipped Bayern Munich No.1 Manuel Neuer to bring an end to Iker Casillas's dominance and win a spot in the FIFPro World XI.

Casillas has been selected as the FIFPro World XI goalkeeper for the past five years, with the Spain international once again nominated for the award that will be announced on January 13 and recognises the team of the year in world football.

But Cech, himself a candidate for the goalkeeper spot, believes that Neuer's exploits in winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League during an incredible 2012-13 season for Bayern should see him take the crown.

"Bayern won the league, the Champions League, the treble so I think it may be Neuer, in my opinion, who might end [Casillas's] reign but I am always happy to be selected among the top five," Cech told Goal.

"It's very difficult to choose who is the best because everyone plays in different competitions and different leagues so it is very hard to compare. To be selected amongst the best makes very happy and whoever wins deserves it.

"It's always nice to get the recognition from your fellow professionals because they have a different understanding of the game and it shows you that they respect you so it's really great. The shortlist is not one of those things which you have to be in to know you're doing well but it's always nice."

Cech also discussed the Premier League and insists that England still boasts the best league around despite last year's FIFPro World XI not containing a single representative from their division.

"I think the Premier League, for me, is the best league," the Czech Republic goalkeeper added. "When you select the best players, it can be a coincidence. It depends how well the teams were doing in the European competitions.

"We won the Champions League and the Europa League in the last two years and we didn't have any players representing the team in the FIFPro World XI which is very surprising so you see how dependable is the choice of who is in the FIFPro World XI.

"It doesn't mean that if you have six people from La Liga, La Liga is a better competition than the Bundesliga because it depends also how the teams were doing, how you do with the national team so it is not only about the league." ------------------ goal.com