Germany coach Joachim Low has claimed that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has the technical ability to play in midfield.
Bayern Munich stopper Neuer showed his willingness to come off his line and deny opponents with his feet in Germany's World Cup second-round win over Algeria.
Such an approach comes with its risks, but Low has no concerns over Neuer's 'sweeper-keeper' role as he has said that the 28-year-old is as skilful as the rest of the German squad.
"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," Low told reporters.
Neuer will go head-to-head with another 'sweeper-keeper' on Friday as Germany take on Hugo Lloris's France in Rio de Janeiro for a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup.