Five finest goalkeepers at the World Cup

Thibaut Courtois

The Belgian goalkeeper may well belong to Chelsea, but he has made his name with Atletico Madrid. A string of loan spells at the Vicente Calderon has seen him become one of the most coveted talents in European football as his imperious spells for Diego Simeone’s side helped them claim the La Liga title with 20 clean sheets, the highest total in the league.

Still regarded as the new kid on the block despite having played at the top level for a number of years, if the west London club decide to let him leave this summer, expect Buffon’s world record fee for a goalkeeper to finally fall.

Courtois possesses a powerful frame allowing him to not only command his penalty area with maturity beyond his tender years but also produce remarkable saves. Usually young goalkeepers have a glaringly obvious weakness in their game that needs to be improved, but Courtois appears to be the complete article ahead of schedule.

The Red Devils should be regarded as dark horses for the tournament with such a talent keeping guard behind an already talented squad.

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Joe Hart

The Manchester City shot-stopper may well have endured a difficult period at club level as several high profile mistakes cost him a place in Manuel Pellegrini’s side at the start of the season, but he forced his way back into the reckoning on merit.

Having grown over-confident, the 27-year-old was brought back down to earth but has responded to the set back in fine style and has produced the best football of his career en route to a second Premier League title.

Although questions were asked of him by the Citizens, Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson has shown unfaltering faith in Hart’s ability. He is tremendously focused, which helps him produce saves at crucial moments in matches, although dealing with crosses remains a problem at times.

However, he is a capable safe of hands that has finally ended a drought of top level England goalkeepers. He relishes a penalty shoot-out too, which can only be a positive given the disastrous run England have encountered over the years.

Watch how the Man City ‘keeper prepares for his #HartRateMoment in the video below