Ranking the five most underrated goalkeepers of the 21st century

#3 Roman Weidenfeller

Roman Weidenfeller helped Borussia Dortmund become a genuine title contender in the Bundesliga

Roman Weidenfeller was one of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga in his prime.

Weidenfeller was unfortunate to have come through the ranks in the same generation as Manuel Neuer, one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. As a result, he managed just five starts for the Germany national team.

Weidenfeller began his career at Sportfreunde Eisbachtal before joining the 1. FC Kaiserslautern youth team in 1998. He was promoted to the first team in the 2000-01 season. However, he only made eight appearances for the senior side across all competitions, keeping three clean sheets.

The goalkeeper joined Borussia Dortmund in 2002 and helped the club become a genuine title contender in the German top flight. He won two Bundesliga titles and one DFB Cup with the club. He was also a UEFA Champions League finalist in 2013.

Weidenfeller made 453 appearances for Borussia Dortmund's senior team across all competitions, keeping 148 clean sheets. His leadership and longevity with the club are what he will be remembered for.

Weidenfeller hung up his boots in 2018 but remains involved with Borussia Dortmund as an international ambassador.

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#2 Samir Handanovic

Inter Milan's Samir Handanovic holds the record for most penalties saved in top-flight history

Samir Handanovic is the first name that comes to mind when talking about underrated goalkeepers. The 6 ft 4 shot-stopper has made a name for himself with his impressive performances for Inter Milan in the last 10 years. However, it was his spell at Udinese that helped him improve his game.

Handanovic has great reflexes and is very agile for a player of his stature. He is one of only four non-Italian keepers to be named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year, winning the honor three times. He also won the Scudetto with Inter Milan in the 2020-21 campaign.

Handanovic also holds the record for most penalties saved in top-flight history, denying 38 spot-kicks since 2003. He has so far kept 241 clean sheets in 686 appearances for various clubs across all competitions.

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#1 Hugo Lloris

Hugo Lloris' lack of silverware with Tottenham Hotspur may be one of the reasons he is often overlooked

A lot of people overlook Hugo Lloris when they talk about the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

The Frenchman is a traditional goalkeeper who commands his box well and is good in one-on-one situations. He is not the best with the ball at his feet, but his acrobatic capabilities make up for it.

The Nice academy graduate won back-to-back Goalkeeper of the Year awards with Olympique Lyon between 2009 and 2012. However, his lack of silverware with current side Tottenham Hotspur might be one of the reasons why he is often overlooked.

Lloris has kept 230 clean sheets in 680 appearances for Spurs, Lyon and Nice across all competitions. He enjoyed a solid outing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup as he won the tournament with France. He kept three clean sheets during the tournament.