Ranking the 5 best goalkeepers in La Liga (August 2021)
La Liga has been home to many top goalkeepers over the years. From Iker Casillas to Victor Valdes, and more recently Thibaut Courtois and Jan Oblak, there have been many custodians who have impressed in the Spanish top flight.
While most of the focus has been on attackers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho, goalkeepers have also performed well in the La Liga and in Europe over the years.
The current crop of La Liga goalkeepers are some of the finest in the game, and are known for their composure, defensive abilities and goalkeeping exploits. On that note, here's a look at the five best goalkeepers plying their trade in the La Liga now:
#5 Yassine Bounou (Sevilla)
Sevilla have been impressive since Julen Lopetegui took over in 2019. They won the Europa League in 2019-20 and finished fourth in the La Liga last season. Several players, including Jules Kounde, Diego Carlos and Lucas Ocampos, have flourished under him.
But one of the key Sevilla performers who has gone under the radar is goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. He was initially brought in on loan as a backup to Tomas Vaclik. But his exploits in the knockout stages of Sevilla's Europa League winning 2019-20 campaign impressed Sevilla enough to sign him permanently.
Last season, the Morocco international became a starter for Sevilla in the La Liga, keeping 15 clean sheets in 33 matches to help them qualify for the Champions League.
The 30-year-old did not just make incredible saves for Sevilla but also scored in the 1-1 draw against Real Valladolid. The goalkeeper, one of the best in Africa, has seen his stock rise in recent months.
#4 Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)
Real Sociedad impressed in the La Liga last season and even topped the table for a while in the early stages of the campaign before eventually finishing fifth.
Many Sociedad players were impressive throughout the season, including the likes of Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino. But their 26-year-old goalkeeper Alex Remiro was the one who especially stood out.
Remiro joined Sociedad from Athletic Bilbao in 2019 and has been a regular for the team since then. He was Sociedad's first choice in the La Liga last season, and his composure and athleticism were key for the team who narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot.
In the last La Liga campaign, the goalkeeper kept 14 clean sheets in 38 games for Sociedad.
#3 Marc- Andre Ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the La Liga at the moment.
The German international joined Barcelona in 2014 as a backup to Claudio Bravo. But after Bravo was sold to Manchester City two years later, Ter Stegen established himself as the no. 1 at the club.
Ter Stegen has continued to impress despite Barcelona's struggles in recent years, providing decent competition to Manuel Neuer for a place in the German team as well.
Despite not being in the best of form, the German goalkeeper made 31 appearances in La Liga last season, keeping 11 clean sheets. He is good in making saves with one hand, and has earned praise for his quick reflexes and technique.
#2 Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Thibaut Courtois joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2018. Although he struggled in his first season with the club, making numerous errors, he has been brilliant for Los Blancos since then.
The Belgian international was one of Real Madrid's best players in the La Liga last season. Courtois displayed his wonderful goalkeeping prowess as he bailed Madrid out of tight situations on many occasions.
A composed shot-stopper, the 29-year-old has been a consistent presence in Real Madrid's backline. He has excellent positioning, especially in one-on-one situations.
Last season, the goalkeeper kept 17 clean sheets in 38 games as Real Madrid narrowly lost the La Liga title to Atletico Madrid on the last day of the season.
#1 Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world right now, Jan Oblak tops the list of best goalkeepers in the La Liga at the moment.
Atletico Madrid are known for their defensive stability under Diego Simeone, and Oblak has been key in that regard. After joining Atletico Madrid in 2014, he has made over 300 appearances in all competitions for the club, keeping an impressive 159 clean sheets; he's one of the leaders in their dressing room.
The Slovenian has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the last few years, playing a key role in Atletico Madrid's La Liga triumph last season.
The 28-year-old also won the Zamora trophy last season - awarded to the goalkeeper with the fewest goals conceded per game - keeping 18 clean sheets in 38 La Liga games.
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