Saturday 9 July 2016

Top 5 Goalkeepers Euro 2016

Impossible reactions. Super speed. Consistency. 


These qualities are what make the perfect keeper, which shot stoppers have shown these attributes in France this summer and are sure to see their value rise?

5) Manuel Neuer 

The German keeper was incredibly fortunate to scrape into this list just ahead of David De Gea. The two most valued goalkeepers both made costly mistakes in their teams last matches at the Euros, De Gea shouldn't have parried a weak free kick straight into the danger area against Italy whereas Neuer should have done better when diverting a Pogba cross. Neuer gets the nod thanks to his immense penalty shootout where he made a crucial save to deny a bottom corner bound effort from Bonucci. Furthermore Neuer's sweeper keeping meant Germany only conceded three times all tournament, albeit two penalties. They would have shipped more had it not been for a fantastic reflex save from the Bayern Munich man to deny a Slovakian header. All in all Neuer will still be regarded as the World's number one, despite an unconvincing tournament at times. 

4) Gabor Kiraly





The tracksuit wearing, age defying, silky skilled Hungarian goalkeeper was one to watch in France. At 40 years old he became the oldest player to ever feature at the Euros, an incredible record for such an entertaining keeper. Kiraly started all four games despite his age, his most notable performance came against Belgium, the eccentric former Crystal Palace man made 10 saves against the likes of Hazard and De Bruyne in a game Hungary ultimately lost 4-0.  Whilst it's unlikely that Kiraly will feature in another tournament he has certainly embedded himself in everyone's memories after a ridiculous trick pass in the dying minutes against Portugal. 



3) Michael McGovern

Northern Ireland fans will undoubtedly have expected their number 1 to top this list after his heroics in a 1-0 loss to Germany offered them a respectable goal difference which saw them through as one of the best ranked third placed teams. In an uneven match where Germany has 28 shots to Northern Ireland's petty one, the keeper stepped up his game making a total of 8 saves, some of which were exceptional denying the likes of Muller and Gotze. McGovern is currently without a club however after such a remarkable performance it's in no surprise he's in high demand, Southampton are thought to be interested in his services.

2) Gianluigi Buffon 

The commendable Italian servant put in a respectable shift in what could be his final competitive game for his nation. The 38 year old kept a clean sheet against Belgium, Sweden and also Spain, remarkable given the competence of the players he was facing such as Lukaku and Ibrahimovic. His best save certainly came against Germany when he tipped over a Gomez backheel which deflected off fellow Juventus man Chiellini. 



1) Hugo Lloris 

Many will be surprised to see Lloris topping this list howeveer they need look no further than two immense saves against Germany, one to prevent a bobbling Can volley the other to divert a powerful header over the French bar. France have conceded 4 goals this tournament, 2 penalties and 2 close range finishes from crosses, none of which Lloris can be faulted for. The Tottenham man recently passed his coach's record for most caps as captain for France, with Lloris high on confidence Deschamps will be hoping the keeper maintains his fine run of form.



The Unfortunate Few - Those who narrowly missed out

David De Gea (Spain)
Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) 
Rui Patricio (Portugal)

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