This year, the world cup has shown the world glimpses of some of the best goalies of the world at the greatest stage of the beautiful game.
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The last line of defense and perhaps the most underrated player of any team is its goalkeeper. The keeper’s role in the team is absolutely vital. In today’s fast paced game, it is paramount for a goalie to have fast reflexes and rapid decision making abilities. However, shot-stopping is not the only thing that a goalkeeper has to do especially in the context of football today. Distribution, organisation and mind game are very much part of a keeper’s game. They also need to be quick with their feet and brave even in the face of the best attackers in the world. Physicality also plays a massive part as a keeper needs to make himself as big as possible in one on one duels.
This year, the world cup has shown the world glimpses of some of the best goalies of the world at the greatest stage of the beautiful game. The likes of Yassine Bounou and Emiliano Martinez have proven their worth on the grand stage and are certainly in contention to be named as the best keepers of the world right now. However there have been others who have impressed with their clubs and deserves to be on that list as well. Here are some of the best goalkeepers the world has seen in 2022.
Thibaut Courtois has performed admirably in goal for Real Madrid this season. His bravery was essential to Los Blancos’ successful run in the UEFA Champions League the previous season. In the grand final of Europe’s premier competition, Courtois displayed performance deserving of man of the match honours. One of the top goalkeepers of his generation, he excels in goal. For Real Madrid to successfully defend their La Liga and Champions League titles this year, the big Belgian’s performance is essential.
Bounou participated in all but one of Morocco’s games and kept three clean sheets in six appearances. The Sevilla goalkeeper gave his nation several standout performances in Qatar. Against Spain in the Round of 16, when he saved three penalties in the shootout, he may have given his best performance. Against the top three teams in international football—Croatia, Spain, and Portugal—Bounou assisted Morocco in maintaining a perfect record. The 30-year-performances old’s for Morocco made him one of Mundial’s surprises.
Emiliano Martinez of Argentina was the tournament’s top goalkeeper. The Aston Villa star was crucial to his nation’s success in the Qatar tournament. Martinez won the tournament’s Golden Glove award after making seven appearances and recording three shutouts. The 30-year-old put on a number of standout performances in Qatar, but many people were most impressed by his heroics in shootouts against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals and France in the final.
