Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer loves progress of defensive duo

FC Bayern has had the benefit of solid defensive play this season.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer might be out of action this weekend vs. Heidenheim, but he wanted to ensure fans know just how good he thinks the defensive duo of Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah have been this season.

“Very good, I have to say. They understand each other very well and they understand me as a goalkeeper. They both take on a leadership role and have established themselves very well. They started playing together at the Club World Cup and I think they have continually improved their game from then on. I think these two players fit perfectly to Bayern and they can be a good model for the future,” Neuer told Bundesliga.

The improvement of Tah and Upamecano from the Club World Cup to now has been one of the key (but probably underplayed) storylines of the season. The beginning of the partnership was uneven at best, but things have steadily improved since the Club World Cup. Now, the twosome has become a dependable part of the overall Bayern Munich machine and rightfully earned the praise of Neuer and pundits alike.