Cape Town - France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has paid tribute to his opposite
number, Manuel Neuer, ahead of his side’s quarter-final clash with
Germany.
The two keepers will face off on Friday in a hotly-anticipated tie, with a spot in the final four of the Brazil showpiece on the line.
Lloris, the French captain, has taken a diplomatic approach to the game, paying tribute to Neuer and his ability to play at the edge of his box.
"When the team pushes so high up the pitch, you have to be able to play further forward and perform the role of a 'libero'," commented the Tottenham shot-stopper.
"Neuer is certainly the most complete goalkeeper in the world and is capable of doing that role. He did it remarkably against Algeria."
Germany boss Joachim Low joined Lloris in lauding Neuer, asserting that he has the same skills as the outfield players.
"Manuel Neuer has the same technical skills as the others, he could play in the midfield, he also has great awareness and that's why we are happy for him to take these risks, and that's why he's so valuable," said Low.
"He can basically be a player behind the defence."
The two keepers will face off on Friday in a hotly-anticipated tie, with a spot in the final four of the Brazil showpiece on the line.
Lloris, the French captain, has taken a diplomatic approach to the game, paying tribute to Neuer and his ability to play at the edge of his box.
"When the team pushes so high up the pitch, you have to be able to play further forward and perform the role of a 'libero'," commented the Tottenham shot-stopper.
"Neuer is certainly the most complete goalkeeper in the world and is capable of doing that role. He did it remarkably against Algeria."
Germany boss Joachim Low joined Lloris in lauding Neuer, asserting that he has the same skills as the outfield players.
"Manuel Neuer has the same technical skills as the others, he could play in the midfield, he also has great awareness and that's why we are happy for him to take these risks, and that's why he's so valuable," said Low.
"He can basically be a player behind the defence."