6 most valuable goalkeepers in the world right now

Honestly speaking, the role of a goalkeeper often goes unrecognized in the face of his invaluable contributions to the team's success.

The men between the sticks are under more pressure than other positions in the game as it is not customarily their gravity-defying saves which generate headlines but it is their humiliating howlers which leave them red faced.

In consequence, goalkeepers are compelled to remain focused throughout the game despite being involved for less than a couple of minutes, unless the rearguard is extremely shaky and unsubstantial.

A menacing presence in the goalkeeping berth can go a long way towards winning trophies, which is why managers tend to have a dependable figure at the back.

In the ongoing summer transfer window, several high-profile clubs are looking to sign new shot stoppers - including Liverpool and Real Madrid.

So without further ado, let us take a look at the 6 most valuable goalkeepers in the world presently.

Market values for players are calculated by how well they play, age, their marketability, contract length and ability to sell shirts.

Note: Market values represent what their actual prices on the transfer market are meant to be, and not the current inflated amounts.

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#6 Ederson - €50 million

Ederson has improved in leaps and bounds under Pep Guardiola

It’s difficult to remember a goalkeeper exploding onto the scene quite as impressively as Ederson. Under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, the Brazilian has improved his game in leaps and bounds, becoming Manchester City's first choice goalkeeper ahead of Claudio Bravo.

Just like any other goalkeeper, Ederson was pivotal in his team's success as they romped to the Premier League title in glorious fashion, breaking a host of records in the process.

In the 2017-18 season, he kept 17 clean sheets for The Citizens in the 36 outings he made in the Premier League, those are some commendable numbers for a net-minder.

All values and stats via transfermarkt

#5 Marc-André ter Stegen - €60 million

Ter Stegen oiled the wheels of Barcelona's campaign

FC Barcelona ran riot domestically last season, clinching La Liga and Copa Del Rey despite missing out on the UEFA Champions League trophy.

Although it was Lionel Messi who conventionally remained in the limelight for these triumphs, Ter Stegen was the one who oiled the wheels of Blaugrana's successful campaign via a total of 24 clean sheets.

The German's career has long been characterized by some blush making balls ups, but the 2017-18 season could be a career changing one for the 26 year old who has still got a lot of years left in the tank.

His presence on the sidelines in the World Cup 2018 was one of the consequential reasons why Die Mannschaft suffered an ignominious departure from the all important tournament.

#4 Alisson Becker - €60 million

Alisson is probably the most in-demand goalkeeper in the world right now

Alisson has risen to fame of late, courtesy of a stellar last season with Roma where he was an instrumental figure in La Lupa's unanticipated run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Di Francesco's side lost out to Liverpool - the club which looks to be the most likely destination for Alisson next season.

The self evident finesse of the 25 year old can be estimated by the fact that he was given the green light ahead of Ederson for the Brazilian national team in the recently concluded World Cup.

Alisson is currently being pursued by some top notch clubs, including the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, if a deal happens, the former Internacional star could potentially become the most expensive goalkeeper of all-time.

#3 Thibaut Courtois - €65 million

World Cup 2018 Golden Glove prize-winner

Real Madrid is keeping close tabs on the Belgian goalkeeper at present, and they have got all reasons to do so. Courtois is a shot-stopper who executes his duties quite seamlessly - he is a Rolls-Royce of a goalkeeper who has exceptional positional sense, technical intelligence, mental composure and excellent reflexes.

All these traits earned him the much coveted Golden Glove award as he made a record 27 saves in the competition, the most by any goalkeeper. He has also kept 31 clean sheets in 71 appearances for the Blues over the past 2 years.

Nevertheless, his move to Real Madrid might be finalized with a fee lower than his market value since his contract with Chelsea runs out within 12 months and the 26 year old is eager to join his children in Madrid.

#2 David de Gea - €70 million

DDG! - safe hands

In spite of his substandard performances for the Spanish national team in the World Cup, there has not been any noticeable change in his market value partly due to his mouth-watering stature in the transfer market.

Manning the posts for Manchester United for the past 7 seasons, De Gea has merchandised himself as a well grounded goalkeeper who is simply a center-back's dream.

Many football pundits consider the Spaniard to be the best goalkeeper in modern football and it is hard to disagree with it, owing to his showings such as the one against Arsenal when he produced a mind-boggling 14-save display to single-handedly lead his side to a 3-1 win.

#1 Jan Oblak - €70 million

The Slovenian prodigy

Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone should consider themselves nothing but lucky to be able to boast of the Slovenian prodigy - Jan Oblak. Under the tutelage of Diego Simeone, the 25 year old has made a name for himself as a world class goalkeeper.

Prior to last season, his involvement in the squad had not come to the fore by virtue of Los Colchoneros' brick wall defence.

However, in the 2017-18 season, Oblak managed to take the center stage in the wake of Atletico Madrid's crumbling rearguard.

Valued for €70 million at the moment, the Slovenian inspired his team to their third Europa League title and an admirable second place finish in La Liga to top this list.