What would top soccer players be worth in Adam Smith’s barter economy?

Manuel Neuer: Harmony, California

There aren’t many goalkeepers like Manuel Neuer. He redefined the sweeper-keeper position. He gambles, plays rough and is an athletic monster. Everyone knows that he’s great. In 2014, he almost won the Ballon d’Or. It’s also worth noting that he’s one of the most attacking-mind goalies in the world. The way he creates counter-attacks makes him a unique threat, almost commanding the offense from the back.

Harmony, California, is almost the exact opposite. Sitting on the Central Coast, halfway between San Francisco and LA, this idyllic village is home to 18 residents. The main industry in town is the glassworks, which is also the town’s main tourist attraction. It was also once home to a cat the residents claimed was the mayor.

This 2.5 acre city is one of the remnants of a bygone era in America’s history. A time when life was slower and highways were new. When neighbors said “good morning” and knew each other’s names. A time when TV was much worse, both in quality of programming and broadcast clarity.

Neuer, on the other hand, is a maverick and a game changer. He’s hard to prep against because, for all his tricks and quirks, he’s just really good at stopping goals. So every time you’ve circumvented his odd kind of mastery, you end up forcing him to rely on his strengths. It’s a tradeoff where you only win if you take chances.

Trading a soccer player for a small town would certainly make waves. Neuer loves little more than being unpredictable.