The art of goalkeeping remains one of the most prominent and necessary components of any successful side throughout history. And currently, in the continent, there remain numerous talented shot-stoppers who don’t receive the recognition they deserve.
The basis of many teams in Europe are built firmly on the foundations of a strong goalkeeper in between the sticks, but just who are the most underrated in European football?
Sportskeeda Football has decided to evaluate who continues to go under the radar and formulate a list of keepers who are deserving of a stronger reputation.
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Here are the five most underrated goalkeepers in European football.
#1 Ederson Moraes – Benfica
Whether you're a fan of Portuguese football or not, there isn't a football fan throughout the world that can describe Ederson as anything other than phenomenal this season.
The Brazilian goalkeeper has established himself this campaign as the number one at Benfica following the demise of Julio Cesar in recent months. Many experts considered the youngster a relative risk to replace the former Brazilian international with success both domestically and continentally at stake for the Portuguese giants.
At the age of just 23-years-old, Ederson's future is bright, and whether that be at Benfica or elsewhere, his talent cannot be denied or underestimated. Not many have taken notice of the goalkeeper's talent - a talent that continues to prove a rarity in the modern game.
A superb shot-stopper capable of playing out from the back, Ederson expertly brings confidence with his commanding of the box. His ability to control his defence ensures Benfica have continued to develop in European football this campaign.
It probably won't be long until a major European giant comes in attempting to snap up the future Brazilian number one. Ederson Moraes, remember the name!
#2 Geronimo Rulli – Real Sociedad
Argentina's future number one Geronimo Rulli continues to go somewhat under the radar due to his performances for mid-table La Liga side Real Sociedad. The 24-year-old shot-stopper has developed into one of European football's brightest prospects - yet his name continues to elude the vast majority when discussing the continent's greatest goalkeepers.
Having featured for Argentinian national side in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Rulli's performances were highly impressive despite the lack of media attention on his exploits afterwards.
What makes Rulli underrated? Unlike many goalkeepers, he has the potential to adapt to various situations to ensure his defensive unit remains intact. His superb shot-stopping ability, his commanding frame and long range passing make him adaptable where many goalkeepers are unable to change their game.
Many goalkeepers in their early 20s are considered unproven with their quality still relatively unknown. Rulli however, remains one of the few shot-stoppers, not only in La Liga but also Europe that could lead the team from the back.
It's not likely Rulli will remain at Sociedad for many reasons as it won't be long before someone decides he is worth the risk.
#3 Jordan Pickford – Sunderland
Premier League experts believe that Fraser Forster, Jack Butland and Tom Heaton are all behind Joe Hart in the pecking order to become England's number one should Hart ever be dropped - but little is mentioned of Sunderland shot-stopper Jordan Pickford.
The 22-year-old Academy of Light graduate is gathering many plaudits in England for his heroic exploits for his boyhood club and is becoming one of the Premier League's finest shot-stoppers and leaders from the back.
Pickford suffered a devastating injury in December that caused him to miss a significant part of the 2016/17 season, and people have seemingly started to forget about his early-season wonders for David Moyes' outfit.
Not many players are provided with the opportunity to shine during a relegation threatened season, but Pickford continues not to disappoint when he lines out for his boyhood club. It probably won't be long before he leaves the North-East outfit especially if they are relegated.
Pickford has the potentially to play at the very top of the Premier League, and until he moves away from the Black Cats, not many people will believe his talent is truly exceptional.
#4 Tom Heaton – Burnley
The facts remain that no goalkeeper has won his side more points in European football this season than Burnley's Tom Heaton for his extraordinary saves following their return to the Premier League.
Sir Alex Ferguson released the former Manchester United goalkeeper following the arrival of David De Gea in 2011, and many at the club must now be pondering what could have been if Heaton remained at Old Trafford.
Nonetheless, Heaton's career has blossomed at Turf Moor and many clubs have admired the 31-years-old for his phenomenal saves and match saving moments. Even though Burnley suffered relegation in 2015, Heaton remained loyal to Sean Dyche's side. However, not many provide Heaton with credit for those performances as he continues to slip under the radar.
Heaton has produced the largest number of saves per shot this season in the Premier League, and is unquestionably a better 'keeper than Manchester City or Liverpool have within their ranks currently.
Whether Heaton's career is elsewhere in the future, he remains one of Europe's most underrated 'keepers.
#5 Daniel Subasic – AS Monaco
Croatian goalkeeper Subasic has become the linchpin in Leonardo Jardim's side which has been so successful in Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season. The giant shot-stopper continues to remain loyal to the Principality club despite their on and off-field struggles since 2010.
During that time the club suffered relegation, played in Ligue 2 for two campaigns and returned to Ligue 1 to become one of the continent's most successful teams.
The goalkeeper has been instrumental during this period, and he continues to maintain a balance in the Monaco side by ensuring his defence is defensively secure and capable of attacking. In fact, Subasic kept the most clean sheets in European football's top five leagues last season but is still rarely recognised as one of the continent's best goalkeepers.
But where next for Subasic? The player is unlikely to leave the club anytime soon due to his tax-free salary and a fantastic life he lives in Monaco. When discussing some of Europe's best goalkeepers, it's about time Subasic is one of the names mentioned.
