Four Four Two ranked 10 best goalkeepers in the world
Baku, September 28, AZERTAC
To decide the best goalkeepers in the world, we asked our esteemed team of experts at FourFourTwo to consider their picks, coming up with a shortlist of 16, before whittling it down to just 10.
We based this on their current technical ability and form but took into account their standing in the game over the past few years as well.
10. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
At times erratic and always unpredictable, for Martinez to make this list in spite of having the odd rick in him is a testament to just how good he is when he is at his best. The Argentina and Aston Villa number one is a particular monster for gobbling up crosses, and there is probably nobody else in world football you would rather face less in a penalty shootout.
9. Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia, on loan from Liverpool)
Goalkeepers generally peak in their early 30s, so it's scary to think just how good Mamardashvili could become when considering he's still a decade away from hitting that point in his career. While physically imposing and standing at 6ft 6in tall, Valencia goalkeeper is not only extremely adept at claiming high balls in his box and demanding the penalty area, but also at reaching low balls that are generally more difficult for taller goalkeepers.
8. Unai Simon (Athletic Club)
First choice for Spain at the Euros, and deservedly so after another brilliant season for Athletic, who ranked behind only Real Madrid for goals conceded after shipping less than a goal per game.
7. Mike Maignan (Milan)
Now established as France’s number one following Hugo Lloris’ retirement from the national setup, Maignan played every game at Euro 2024 and was named as the best goalkeeper at the tournament after conceding just three goals in six games – two of which were to eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals.
6. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Courtois had to fight back from a long lay-off with a cruciate ligament injury this year, only returning to action for Real Madrid in May, but he does not look to have lost a step whatsoever: Courtois did not concede a single goal in his five appearances at the end of last season, including a shutout in their Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund.
5. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
The veteran shotstopper returned to action after a year out with a broken leg last season and while he may not still be the revolutionary game-changer he was a decade ago, Neuer proved he is still up there with the very best, not least during a string of excellent performances for Bayern Munich in the Champions League knockout stages.
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Italian No.1 wasn’t able to replicate his Euro 2020 heroics during this year’s tournament in Germany as the Azzurri slumped to a last-16 defeat at the hands of Switzerland after what had been a spotty season for the 25-year-old.
3. David Raya (Arsenal)
A year ago, David Raya was the centre of a tedious debate over Arsenal’s situation between the sticks, as he looked to displace fan favourite Aaron Ramsdale. Now, he’s the Gunners’ player of the season.
2. Ederson (Manchester City)
Manchester City star Ederson picked up a sixth Premier League winners’ medal last season, underlining his importance in one of the most dominant teams English football has ever seen. One of the best keepers in the world with his feet, Ederson has been a vital cog in Pep Guardiola’s winning machine, although the 31-year-old has been the subject of recent speculation of transfer links to Saudi Arabia.
1. Alisson (Liverpool)
He’s still No.1. Is it outrageous to suggest he’s the best goalkeeper of the last 10 years?
Not for our money. If goalkeepers these days are split between the modern and the throwback, Liverpool’s consistent Brazilian is the perfect blend: everything you’d want with the ball at his feet, both in long-range and short-range passing, with the shot-stopping acumen to match. And actually, that side of his game doesn’t get enough credit, at all: Alisson has once again started the Premier League season with a save percentage of 90, the most in the division once more.
The future might be uncertain, with Mamardashvili set to arrive at Anfield next season as things stand. But Alisson is still just 31 years old – and having been the undisputed best in England almost from Day 1 of his arrival in 2018, he’s still got a lot more to give. Either way, he’s going down as one of the greats.
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