There used to be a time when goalkeepers were simply required to boot the ball as far away from the defence as they could. The toe-ing phenomenon was huge and they did exactly what was needed when the offence came around.
Now, however, the goalkeepers are much more involved in the game. They’re expected to help in the build up play and essentially act as the kind of base passer who can spread the ball tactically where needed. Much more work with the ball at their feet and no more toe-ing.
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Given that’s how goalkeepers are viewed, their role in the team is a lot more important and one that could decide just how the game pans out. So, here’s looking at five of the most valuable goalkeepers coming through the ranks of various top football clubs:
#5 Loris Karius – €8 million
Signed from FC Mainz at the start of the season, 23-year-old Loris Karius was expected to come in and permanently replace Belgian Simon Mignolet at Liverpool. A string of poor performances and unnecessary pressure from ‘pundits’ Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher meant the German soon felt the heat.
He’s since been limited to performance in cup competitions while Mignolet has resumed normal service acting as Liverpool’s number one. However, Karius is still young and has the kind of physique and potential to become a great goalkeeper in time.
In the 16 games he’s played for Liverpool this season, Karius has kept 6 clean sheets and is en route to showing improvement with every passing game. All he needs is time and the confidence of his manager. Should he get those two, he could develop into a real asset for the Merseyside club.
#4 Timo Horn – €10 million
What a season FC Koln are having; three points away from Europa League football and the chance to mix it with great European teams, the club are flying high. With incredible results against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund this season, a lot has been said of the squad and the manager.
And the one player who often stands out is their young goalkeeper, Timo Horn. The 23-year-old German has been a rock at the back saving shots and handling his defenders with authority. He’s quick, he’s loud and he has the physique to deal with shots of power.
Although he’s kept only 4 clean sheets in the 17 appearances he’s made for the club this season, Horn is viewed as someone who could cement his place as the number one for Germany in the years to come. The only thing he’s looking for is a chance with some big-hitters.
#3 Ederson – €12 million
When Pep Guardiola calls you and asks you to join Manchester City in the summer and take over as the number one for the club, and when you have someone like Jorge Mendes as your agent handling all your needs, it’s a given that you’re no normal talent.
And in Ederson’s case, he really isn’t. The Brazilian has been an astute signing for SL Benfica who were looking to replace Jan Oblak, who went to Atletico Madrid, and in the 23-year-old, they have found someone who’s equally adept in goal as he is in marshalling his defence.
The Brazilian was linked with a move to Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in recent months and his performances for the club warrant every bit of attention. Out of the 36 games he’s played this season, Ederson has kept a staggering 22 clean sheets making him a menace for forwards to face.
#=1 Sergio Rico – €20 million
Sevilla are having a dream season in the La Liga this time around under Jorge Sampaoli and they’re proving to be a real thorn in the flesh of some of Europe’s best clubs having taken the fight to Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.
And a reason for their success has been their rock-solid defence which has often bailed the side out of trouble. A member of that defence is 23-year-old Spanish keeper, Sergio Rico, who has continued his fine form from last season this time around.
With 17 clean sheets in 43 appearances for the club, Rico is en route to becoming one of the better young keepers in the world with a host of giants eagerly monitoring him in the hope that they can lure him in the summer. Should he keep up his form, he’ll go for quite the gold.
#=1 Gianluigi Donnarumma – €20 million
It’s not often an 18-year-old holds the world by the scruff of the neck and proves time and again just how valuable he or she is. And in the case of Gianluigi Donnarumma, it’s now safe to say that the hype is real.
The Italian teenager has been a revelation for AC Milan and a symbol of sorts that reflects his club’s rise from the ashes. The Milanese club haven’t had the most glorious decade but it’s players like the 18-year-old keeper that instil hope in the fans and the players that the future is bright.
In the 36 appearances Donnarumma has made this season, he’s kept 11 clean sheets and has helped AC Milan win the Coppa Italia as well as almost guaranteeing European football for next season. With Real Madrid supposedly interested in signing him, this summer should be quite interesting.
