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Free-scoring forwards, instrumental midfielders and astute managers are undoubtedly necessary when it comes to clinching trophies but several managers/players will undoubtedly attest to the fact that a world-class keeper between the posts goes a long way in bolstering a team's title-winning credentials.
It's been 55 long years since Lev Yashin, the legendary Russian goalkeeper lifted the Ballon d'Or, the first (and only) goalkeeper to do so. However, with an emerging crop of sensational goalies bursting onto the scene, one would be hard-pressed to argue that at least one of these sparkling talents may go on to lift the coveted accolade in the years to come.
Here we take a look at (arguably) the five best goalkeepers in the world of football right now:
#5 Ederson Moraes
This season, Ederson has been nothing short of a revelation for Manchester City. Bought for £34.7 million in the summer of 2017 from Benfica, that sum is fast turning out to be a bargain in the light of his astonishing displays on the pitch.
Manchester City was blighted with defensive issues last season, but with Ederson commandeering at the back, the Citizens seem to have successfully reversed that trend. This season, Ederson has kept 13 clean sheets in 30 appearances in all competitions.
On average, he makes 1.91 saves per game, whilst maintaining a pass accuracy of 90%. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his game is his keen distribution, dishing out the ball with an astonishing 88% success rate on average.
Still only 24 years of age, Ederson has already made a compelling case for his talent and there's no doubting this young man's potential. With his best years ahead of him and placed in a team like Manchester City, it wouldn't be too surprising to see trophies and accolades find their way to the young Brazilian.
#4 Jan Oblak
Following the departure of Thibaut Courtois to his parent club Chelsea, Atletico Madrid needed a capable replacement to deputize in his place, and Jan Oblak has yet to disappoint them in that respect.
Bought for a measly sum of €16 million in 2014 from Benfica, the Slovenian international has seamlessly settled into Atletico's recent blueprint of defensive rigidity under Diego Simeone.
This season, he has kept 16 clean sheets in 27 appearances in all competitions, whilst making an average 2.28 saves per game.
Atletico Madrid are not enjoying the best of seasons, going by their high standards. Nevertheless, Oblak has undoubtedly been one of their bright sparks. At only 25 years of age, he is certain to be formidable between the sticks for years to come.
#3 Alisson Ramses Becker
Possibly the least recognizable player on this list, Alisson Becker has rightfully earned recognition this season as one of the most capable goalies in world football. Transferred from Sport Club Internacional to Roma for a fee of €7.5 million in 2016, the Brazilian has steadily grown in stature since then.
This season, he has kept 12 clean sheets in 28 appearances in all competitions, passing the ball with an accuracy of 84%. To top it all, he's executed a stellar 2.87 saves per game on average, with an excellent 83% distribution rate overall.
At just 25 years of age, and with several eye-catching performances under his belt, one would certainly back him to have a splendid World Cup campaign with Brazil this summer and perhaps even move on to another club.
#2 Marc-André ter Stegen
FC Barcelona have been absolutely brilliant this season. They currently sit unbeaten in La Liga, 11 points adrift of Atletico Madrid in second place, and ter Stegen has certainly been an instrumental figure in the club's fortunes so far.
Bought from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014 for £10.8 million, ter Stegen has proved to be a wise signing and this season, he has protected his goalpost with verve and skill.
In 25 appearances in all competitions, he has kept 16 clean sheets, making an average of 2.16 saves per game. He's maintained a fine pass accuracy of 83%, alongside an impressive (average) distribution success rate of 84.5%.
At 25 years of age, the German still has his best years ahead of him, and there's no denying that he is certain to lift trophies and, quite possibly, individual honours in years to come.
#1 David de Gea
Perhaps the most predictable entry in this list, few would argue against the Spaniard claiming the title of the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment.
Having arrived at Manchester United from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011 for a fee of €25 million, De Gea has grown by leaps and bounds during his stint at Old Trafford.
Over the last few years, he has set the Premier League alight with his phenomenal saves and noteworthy performances, turning into a genuine matchwinner for Manchester United in the process.
This season, De Gea has managed 17 clean sheets in 28 appearances in all competitions. On average he churns out 2.58 saves per game, with a decent distribution rate of 62%.
At 27 years of age, and entering into his prime (if not already there), De Gea has begun to tighten his grasp on the mantle of best goalie in the world, despite the remarkable competition he faces.
With constant rumours linking him with a big money move to Real Madrid, Man United would do well to stave off any competition for their star man, as he is a matchwinner in his own right and well worth the effort.
(Credits: Squawka, Transfermarkt, Wikipedia)
