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With the footballing world becoming more fast-paced and striker-centric with each passing season, goalkeepers are often served with the short end of the stick. The men between the sticks often determine the fortunes of a team's season and are usually involved in the most critical moments of every game.
Europe's high-profile teams have historically relied on exceptionally talented goalkeepers to take their club's fortunes to impressive levels. The likes of Dino Zoff and Lev Yashin have become emblems of the beautiful game and their legendary feats have been etched into footballing folklore.
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Teams in the UEFA Champions League have invested heavily in world-class goalkeepers in recent years and their decisions have paid regular dividends on both European and domestic fronts. The likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona have signed brilliant shot-stoppers over the past decades and have maintained the clout over the modern game as a result.
Goalkeepers have already produced several decisive moments this season and will likely play pivotal roles in their team's fortunes in the next few months. Here is a list of five goalkeepers who have made the world take note with their stunning exploits this season.
#5 Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Barcelona's well-documented defensive problems have plagued what has been a crucial transitional year under Ronald Koeman. The Catalan giants have shown glimpses of solidity in their own half but have been let down by individual errors and a distinct lack of discipline on several occasions this season.
Despite the infamous deficiency of composure in their defensive ranks, Barcelona have conceded only 24 goals in their 30 league games so far. Marc-Andre ter Stegen might not be his best self this season but deserves immense credit for bailing the Catalans out of difficult phases at critical junctures in their La Liga campaign.
The Blaugrana remain in the hunt for the league title this season and Ter Stegen remains one of the club's most valuable players alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong. Barcelona are in dire need of a source of inspiration at the moment and their German wall is perfectly capable of stepping up for his side.
#4 Samir Handanovic (Inter Milan)
Inter Milan have taken the Serie A by storm this season and are set to demolish Juventus' stranglehold on the league title in the coming months. In the midst of Romelu Lukaku's goalscoring exploits and Antonio Conte's tactical machinations, however, Samir Handanovic's reliable performances seem to have slipped under the radar.
Handanovic has been a loyal servant of Inter Milan for nearly a decade and has been a critical piece of the Nerazzurri puzzle this season. The Slovenian veteran is the ideal foil for Inter Milan's back-three and his presence adds an aura of solidity to Antonio Conte's side.
Inter Milan have an impressive 11-point lead at the top of the Serie A standings and are the favourites to win the Scudetto this season. With Samir Handanovic in their ranks, the Nerazzurri can remain safe in the knowledge that their defensive record will remain impressive for the remainder of the season.
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#3 Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Thibaut Courtois has been one of the world's best goalkeepers for the better part of the decade and is hitting new heights with reigning Spanish champions Real Madrid. The Belgian shot-stopper is one of Real Madrid's most important players at the moment and seems to be improving with every passing day.
Thibaut Courtois endured a difficult first season at Real Madrid and earned severe criticism as a result. The former Chelsea star has not let his sceptics affect his confidence, however, and has managed to become one of La Liga's best goalkeepers over the past two years.
The Real Madrid man has conceded only 24 goals in what has been a difficult 30 league games for Los Blancos. With Real Madrid suffering from a series of defensive injuries this season, Thibaut Courtois has come into his own and is effectively spearheading his team's bid for the La Liga crown.
#2 Keylor Navas (Paris Saint-Germain)
Despite Paris Saint-Germain's struggles in Ligue 1 this season, Keylor Navas' performances have been a beacon of hope for fans of the reigning French champions. The Costa Rican shot-stopper remains one of the most reliable players in the world in his position and his stock has risen as a result of a string of splendid performances this season.
Keylor Navas has been exceptional in the UEFA Champions League this season and his performances in recent weeks have effectively made him a cult hero at the club. The 34-year-old goalkeeper has been Paris Saint-Germain's saving grace this season and remains one of Pochettino's trusted senior players.
The former Real Madrid shot-stopper has pulled off some stunning saves this season and is guiding Paris Saint-Germain past some of Europe's biggest teams in the Champions League. With Keylor Navas between the sticks, Neymar and his charges may well have a legitimate shot at winning the continent's most coveted footballing trophies.
#1 Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
Jan Oblak has arguably been the best shot-stopper in the world for the better part of the last five years. The Slovenian international has been the primary reason for Atletico Madrid's defensive solidity and his impeccable skills have complemented Diego Simeone's philosophy to perfection.
Atletico Madrid are known for their goalkeeping gems and Jan Oblak has arguably been the best of the lot. Los Colchoneros have the best defensive record in La Liga this season and owe much of their success to Jan Oblak.
Atletico Madrid are mounting a serious title challenge this season and will need their goalkeeper to step up to the plate ahead of a difficult series of weeks. Jan Oblak has been instrumental to Atletico Madrid's performances in the past and will play a pivotal role in Diego Simeone's title run this season.
Honourable Mentions: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Ederson Moraes (Manchester City), Mike Maignan (Lille)
