Top 5 goal-keepers to watch for at FIFA World Cup
You may have the best attack in the world but poor goal-keeping can throw away any game, ask a Liverpool fan and they will agree with this after the Champions League final debacle. At the FIFA World Cup, the best shot-stoppers will look to bring their A game as they will be the last line of defense. Here are the top 5 goal-keepers.
Brazil's Alisson Becker
Ederson might have had a great season at City but Alisson should be Brazil's number one. Alisson is one of the most sought after goal-keepers in world football right now. He kept 15 clean sheets in 34 appearances for Roma last season. Since Brazil play from the back, Alisson boasts a distribution accuracy of 83% and has an average 'claim success' of 90%.
Spain's David de Gea
Premier League Golden Glove winner David de Gea is Spain's undisputed number one this year in Russia. Blessed with high reflexes de Gea can stop almost anything that comes at him. He kept 18 clean sheets in the Premier League this season and has made an average of 3.58 saves per goal and has a claimed success of 86%.
Germany's Manuel Neuer
One of the best sweeper-keepers in world football, Neuer is a delight to watch. Even if Germany's defense is caught sleeping, getting past Manuel wouldn't be an easy task. 2014 Golden Glove winner has just returned from an injury after being out of action since September. But Low has trust in him and he will be one of the first names on the team-sheet.
France's Hugo Lloris
Tottenham Hotspur's Hugo Lloris is also among the top goalkeepers this term. The French custodian has an average 'claim success' of 94%. Further, he has made an average of 2.06 saves per game last season in the Premier League. The Frenchman has kept 15 clean sheets in 36 appearances last season to help Spurs to a top-four finish.
Belgium's Thibaut Courtois
The Chelsea custodian became the youngest goal-keeper to make his Belgium debut back in 2011. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength making 50+ appearances for the Red Devils. Courtois is extremely good in the air and has quick reflexes. In the 2014 edition, Belgium reached the quarter-finals of and will be hoping to do better in Russia.
