Iker Casillas:
Popularly known as Saint Iker by his fans, he is undeniably one of the greatest talents to have graced the football pitches of Spain. The former Real Madrid stalwart donned the No. 1 jersey for both his club and country, Spain. Even though his best days are behind him, he has established himself as one of the most dependable and consistent shot stopper in the game. The first World Cup of the decade was won by his national side thanks to some staggering performances throughout the tournament. He led his club to victory in the Champions League thrice, once being in this decade, the 2013-14 season. One of the best in the game, the legendary keeper made a move to FC Porto where he had 4 stupendous seasons, before suffering an acute heart attack. A true legend on and off the field will forever be etched in history as one of the best.
Manuel Neuer:
Signed by the Bavarians from Schalke 04 in 2011, the German national has performed spectacularly for club and country alike. Hailed as the original “Sweeper Keeper”, Neuer has revolutionized the idea of modern goalkeeping to an extent that is unimaginable. He has been the No.1 for his club and country for almost the entire decade. His stellar performances found him on the Ballon D’or list in 2014, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi respectively. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Neuer became renowned for his control over the ball with his feet, outside and inside his area alike. Neuer operates as an additional midfielder with his ability to distribute the ball with such fluidity and extraordinary positioning, that is quite high up for a goalkeeper. The German has 7 Bundesliga Titles, one UEFA Champions League and one FIFA World Cup under his belt. Neuer is often credited for modernising and redefining the traditional role of a goalkeeper completely.
Gianluigi Buffon:
The unparalleled talent and capability that this veteran possesses has made it possible for him to make it onto any list of top goalkeepers in the previous decade. His stupendous trophy haul finds him on this list as well. At 41 years old, the Italian stalwart has proved that age is just a number. Gigi suffered in the first season of the decade, as he was rendered unfit with a back injury. But he came back with a bang in the following season setting a Serie A record of the most clean sheets (21 in 35 apps, conceding only 16 goals). He was nominated for the 2012-13 Ballon D’or as well. This season was followed by 6 consecutive Scudetto titles after which he moved to Paris St. Germain, where he picked up a Ligue 1 title soon after. With a breathtaking ability to read goal threats successfully, Gigi Buffon will always be regarded as one of the best forever, let alone the past decade.
Ederson Moraes:
The first move Pep Guardiola made once he joined the Sky Blues was to replace their longtime keeper Joe Hart. His first choice was Claudio Bravo, although the Chilean could not prove himself to be reliable between the sticks. On the other hand Ederson proved to be just what the club needed. The Brazilian completely changed how Guardiola’s outfit operated, he possesses the vision and range that any top midfielder yearns for. When it comes to goalkeepers the ability he possesses to manipulate and control the game on his terms in his third is unparalleled. The Brazilian played a huge role in City’s consecutive title winning terms, registering an assist to Sergio Aguero in a game against Huddersfield. He is possibly one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers in the world.
Samir Handanovic:
The Slovenian international has created a name for himself in the Serie A as one of the most reliable and premier goalkeepers, roped in by Inter Milan following his stellar performances for his national side in the 2010 World Cup. Handanovic has repeatedly established himself as one of the best, being named in the Serie A team of the year thrice and being voted the Goalkeeper of the Year on three occasions as well. Surprisingly agile for an athlete who stands at around 6’4’’, Handanovic’s reflexes are something to look out for. Thanks to his incredible sense of positioning, he earned the nickname of “Batman” after having pulled off some insane saves. Hailed as a penalty expert Handanovic has made a staggering 23 saves in Serie A action, only one behind the legendary Italian Gianluca Pagliuca. He holds the Serie A record for saving the most penalties consecutively, 6. Handanovic established himself as top dog in the Serie A thanks to his consistency and agility.
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