The once-partisan German media have also drawn unfavorable conclusions on Neuer's current state, commenting that the 32-year-old is the embodiment of the current crisis engulfing the German national team.
Some have even demanded a change in the German goal, with Barcelona's Marc-Andre Ter Stegen mooted as Neuer's successor.
Even to question the Bayern Munich keeper's position represents a seismic shift in German goalkeeping circles.
For years, Neuer dominated the job. Between 2010 and 2016, the Gelsenkirchen-born star was regarded as the world's best, seen as the pioneer of a new style of goalkeeping characterised by beginning attacking moves as well as saving shots.
Neuer was voted the world's best keeper every year between 2013 and 2016 by FIFpro, the union for professional footballers.
But by 2018, Neuer has fallen from grace, with only two other goalkeepers in the German Bundesliga having worse figures. Neuer once was praised for saving over 80% of his shots faced. Now that figure has fallen to just 58%.
Analysts in German newspapers say Neuer's game has regressed, with the founder of the modern "sweeper-keeper" returning to his traditional roots and remaining close to his goal line.
A key error in Germany's humiliating 3-0 Nations League defeat against the Netherlands on Saturday has led to more heated discussions about Neuer's future in the team. Former German international goalkeeper Oliver Kahn was one to place the blame squarely at Neuer's feet. "If he leaves his line, he has to be sure to catch the ball," Kahn commented.
Neuer left his line but missed a cross, allowing the Netherlands to score. Just two weeks previously, Neuer made a similar mistake playing for Bayern against FC Augsburg, which also led to a goal being conceded.
It appears as if Neuer has not yet found his way back to his best form after a nine-month injury lay-off which ended just before the World Cup. Head coach Joachim Low came in for criticism after declaring Neuer as his No. 1 in Russia despite having been sidelined for so long, with several former internationals reportedly saying that Ter Stegen should have been given the nod instead.
The Barcelona keeper has performed consistently well in Spain, and though it seems unlikely that Low will move away from Neuer in the near future, it also seems inevitable that Ter Stegen's time will come.
A growing number of pundits, such as former German international Lothar Matthaus, say the Barca keeper has reached a higher level than the man who used to be Germany's best.
"Ter Stegen deserves to play as he is playing at the top level, while Neuer currently hasn't reached his former performance level again," Matthaus commented.
