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The amount of pressure on a striker to score a goal can be matched by the intensity of pressure on a Goalkeeper.
The only player in the side who can actually use his hand, he provides the tightest support in defence. We have seen the best ‘keepers in the modern era who have created a buzz all over the world. When I say best ‘keepers in modern era, I mean – Iker Casillas, Petr Cech, Gianluigi Buffon, Joe Hart and Manuel Neuer. But are these pillars of modern football recognised as the best of all time? Here is a list of the top 5 goalkeepers ever:
5. Dino Zoff
He is widely remembered as the oldest player ever to win a World Cup with Italy at an age of 40, way back in 1982. He still has a record which no other keeper has beaten – playing 1142 minutes in international matches without conceding a goal. Zoff won 9 titles for Juventus and was awarded Italy’s Golden Player award in 2003.
4. Peter Schmeichel
He was undoubtedly the best goalkeeper for Manchester United and has numerous saves to his record. He helped Denmark in winning the European Championship in 1992. In the same year, he was awarded with the best goalkeeper award. He even scored an international goal in a 2-2 drawn game against Belgium. Schmeichel played for Manchester City, Aston Villa and Sporting CP other than United.
3. Iker Casillas
The mainstay of Spain and Real Madrid (until recently), Casillas is one of the most decorated goalkeepers of all time. He has collected 19 titles for his club and national side along with 31 individual honours. Casillas’ moment of glory for Spain came when he won Euro Championship in 2008 followed by the big fish – World Cup 2010. He led his side to win the 2012 Euros as well. Casillas was named the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper 4 times.
2. Gordon Banks
Undoubtedly the best goalkeeper ever from England, he is known for his famous save from Pele’s header in the 1970 World Cup which is regarded as one of the best saves ever. Banks, standing at 6 feet 1 inch, was like a huge wall for the opposition who hardly managed to beat this legend. Banks was given the title – ‘A Hero who can fly’ by the British media. He is a World Cup winner for England in 1966 and had success for Leicester City and Stoke City too.
1. Lev Yashin
Lev Yashin (left)
He is the best goalkeeper of all time without any doubt. Lev’s personal records speak for itself – 150 penalty saves and 500 clean sheets. The only goalkeeper to have won the European Footballer of the Year award. Having won 10 individual awards in that period signifies his legacy. We have seen legends both now and before, but quite simply, has there ever been anyone better than the Russian?
