New Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jonas Urbig has a big task on his hands, as it seems he will join a list of players aiming to become the successor to legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. For now, however, the former FC Köln goalkeeper will enjoy learning from and working with his idol, who has been the most iconic German goalkeeper in the world for around 15 years now. Looking up to Manuel Neuer makes a lot of sense.
However, Urbig mentioned another name in his list of idols: “Obviously Manuel Neuer inspired me. Also Iker Casillas,” the 21-year-old added in his introductory press conference, via @iMiaSanMia. “They were my idols. I’m excited to be training with Manu, but also with the goalkeeping group in general. I’m not thinking about whether I can succeed someone. I just want to integrate first.”
Iker Casillas is, of course, famous for his time at Real Madrid and has earned his reputation as having been one of the very best goalkeepers in the history of the sport. However, he played his last game for Madrid when Urbig was still 12, having gone on a steady decline for the 2 years prior to his departure. How early did Urbig start watching the legendary Spanish goalkeeper? Taking influence from him certainly would not be bad for his game, however, and it will be interesting to see if any of that Casillas influence will shine through in Munich…
