1 Keylor Navas – Real Madrid
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Keylor Navas is an extremely apt model of the role fortune can play in a footballer’s career. The Costa Rican was all set for a spell on the sidelines as Real Madrid chased David de Gea in the summer of last year. However, the transfer infamously broke down at the last second, which meant Navas was the first choice keeper for probably the biggest club in the world.
Given the demonstrable paucity of faith shown in him, most keepers would crumble - but Navas is made of sterner stuff. The Costa Rican dusted himself off after an uncertain spell in 2014/15 and proceeded to show exactly why Real Madrid erred in chasing David de Gea. The sight of Navas charging forward and closing down a striker after Madrid’s defence went walkabout became incredibly common, with crucial saves against AS Roma and Celta Vigo being particularly memorable.
Navas is the only keeper to deny Antoine Griezmann from the penalty spot this season, and while he wasn’t the hero in Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League final, the presence of the Costa Rican might have surely deterred Juanfran as he stepped up to miss that fateful penalty. It’s that very word ‘presence’ that Navas has come to earn – the sight of him, arms aloft, praying to his god is also the most calming sight for Real Madrid fans, who know that their ‘god’ in goal will make everything alright.
From an uncertain future waiting in airports to the best goalkeeper of the 2015/16 season, Keylor Navas has come a long, long way.
| 2015/16 Stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 43 |
| Goals Conceded | 30 |
| Clean Sheets | 21 |
| Saves (League + UCL only) | 102 |
| Saves Per Goal (League + UCL only) | 3.4 |
| Penalties Saved / Conceded (League + UCL only) | 5/5 |
| Distribution accuracy (League + UCL only) | 71% |
