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Goalkeeping continues to be an underrated position in football. While attackers get most of the plaudits for scoring goals, the emergence of attack-oriented full-backs and ball-playing centre-backs have seen defenders enjoy their time in the limelight.
However, many seem to forget that goalkeepers are also evolving. Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer has often been credited with starting a revolution in the position, and much more is now expected from shot-stoppers.
In the English Premier League, Manchester City's Ederson Moraes and Liverpool's Alisson Becker are prime examples of the type of goalkeepers top teams want these days.
5 goalkeepers who have been impressive in La Liga this season
Spain's La Liga houses some of the best goalkeeping talents, including Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak, Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois and Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen. All these players are regarded as some of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Without further ado, let us look at the 5 best goalkeepers in La Liga this season.
#5 Bono, Sevilla
Sevilla have impressed under the management of Julen Lopetegui. Centre-backs Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos as well as attackers like Youssef En-Nesyri and Lucas Ocampos have flourished under his tutelage.
However, goalkeeper Bono has quietly become one of their key performers. Initially brought in on loan from Girona, the Morocco international acted as a back-up option to Czech Republic international Tomas Vaclik, being utilised in the cup and Europa League ties.
As Sevilla won the Europa League last season, Bono's performances against the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester United and Inter Milan were impressive.
This season, the 29-year-old has started in the league for Sevilla, keeping 5 clean sheets in 12 games as the Andalusian giants sit 6th in the league table. They are five points behind 3rd-placed Villarreal, with three games in hand.
#4 Alex Remiro, Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad have been highly impressive this season and even occupied the top spot in the league table for some time.
While injuries and some poor results have seen Imanol Alguacil's side drop down the table, the likes of Alex Remiro, Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino have all proven their quality.
Remiro joined Real Sociedad from rivals Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer in 2019 and has done well when called upon. The 25-year-old has been a starter for Real Sociedad in the league this season, and his concentration and athleticism have been crucial for the side.
This season, the former Levante shot-stopper has kept 8 clean sheets in 18 games.
#3 Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona
Barcelona are not enjoying the best of times right now. If not for goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and captain Lionel Messi, it could have become a lot worse.
Ter Stegen joined Barcelona from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014, initially serving as a back-up to Claudio Bravo. However, the Germany international would soon establish himself as the no.1 at the club and is now regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football.
The 28-year-old continues to impress despite Barcelona's struggles and has provided good competition to Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer in the German national team.
In 11 appearances in the league so far, Ter Stegen has kept 4 clean sheets. His quick reflexes and technique have earned praise.
Also Read: Reports: Manchester City offer Kevin De Bruyne less money as the club tries to sign Lionel Messi
#2 Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid
When Thibaut Courtois moved to Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2018, it was seen as a controversial move, given his highly successful stint with Atletico Madrid.
Fast forward to now, and it would be fair to say that Real Madrid did well to get the Belgium international. Having pursued Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea- another former Atletico Madrid player- for some time, Los Blancos decided to address their shot-stopping issues by bringing in Courtois.
De Gea's form has dipped for Manchester United, while Chelsea's replacement for Courtois, Kepa Arrizabalaga, has not impressed. The Belgian goalkeeper, on the other hand, has been a vital player for Real Madrid.
A strong, composed shot-stopper, the 28-year-old has been a consistent presence in the backline for Real Madrid. This season, he has 7 clean sheets in 17 league games, with his side involved in another title race.
#1 Jan Oblak, Atletico Madrid
Arguably the best goalkeeper in world football right now, Jan Oblak is the epitome of consistency.
Atletico Madrid have always been renowned for their defensive stability under the management of Diego Simeone, and Oblak has been a vital factor for that.
The Slovenia international constantly impresses with his reflexes, concentration and composure.
Having joined Atletico Madrid from Benfica in 2014, Oblak has made 278 appearances in all competitions and is now one of the leaders in the dressing room.
The 28-year-old, who has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea in the past, has kept 10 clean sheets in just 15 games so far, as Atletico Madrid sit at the top of the league table.
Also Read: Manchester United-target Moises Caicedo drops a hint as transfer rumours swirl
