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The position of goalkeeper is such that the characteristics and attributes of the greats had to be mentally and physically unique to the role. Stalwarts such as Peter Schmeichel, Oliver Kahn, Gianluigi Buffon and Petr Cech are icons in the classic sense of the goalkeeper's role - keeping the ball out of the net.
The impact of the 1992 rule change to ban keepers from picking up backpasses had perhaps the single biggest impact in turning football into a dynamic, frenzied and high-tempo affair.
The modern-day "sweeper keeper" goalkeeper is expected to be both technically and tactically proficient and act as an 11th outfielder. It's personified by the playing styles of Manuel Neuer, Iker Casillas and now Ederson and Alisson of Brazil.
This reinvention of the goalkeeping role has seen many of the aforementioned talents get elevated to iconic status, overshadowing many underrated talents. Here, we rank the five most underrated goalkeepers of the 21st century:
#5 Kasper Schmeichel
The Schemeichel surname bears heavily on Kasper as the accomplishments of his legendary father Peter still cast a long shadow over his own. That said, the 34-year-old has also achieved remarkable success and acclaim at the highest level of English football. He was part of underdog Leicester City's unforgettable title-winning campaign in 2015-16, which helped cement them as a top-eight Premier League team over the course of the decade.
Inheriting from his father a near freakish ability to make reflex saves and acrobatic parries, Kasper has been one of the Premier League's finest. Additionally, his ability to hit long cross-field passes to Jamie Vardy adds a dimension to the Foxes' play.
Having begun his career at Manchester City, the fact that Leicester paid just £1 million for his services in 2011 is mind-blowing, considering his now-legendary status. His gamechanging saves against a shocked Chelsea attack in the 2021 FA Cup final was one of many instances of the Dane's immense ability to impact a game.
#4 Samir Handanovic
A goalkeeper is defined by his consistency and dependability. Few personify those attributes more than Inter Milan's captain, Samir Handanovic.
After nearly a decade of turbulent ownership changes, managerial revolving doors and financial crisis, the 6'4" Slovenian has epitomized himself as a pillar of strength. His reliability and business-like approach to the art of goalkeeping is a sharp contrast to the spectacular style of his peers. So much so that his name sometimes falls below the radar when talking about the very best keepers in the world.
The commanding captain of Inter is in his 10th season at the club, with over 500 Serie A matches under his belt. His efforts of being the best player in an under-performing team finally came to fruition with Inter's 2020-21 Scudetto triumph.
Handanovic has developed a reputation as an exceptional penalty-kick-saving specialist. He holds the Serie A record for the most consecutive penalties stopped (six) between 2013-15. The 37-year-old also holds the Serie A record for most penalties saved with 25.
#3 Keylor Navas
Costa Rican Keylor Navas might be one of the most underappreciated footballers, if not goalkeepers, in all of world football. Having burst into the spotlight with Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup with outstanding performances against England and Italy, Real Madrid came calling.
Much like Iker Casillas, the man he was groomed to replace, Navas was on the shorter side for a goalkeeper. He too made up for his stature with a springing jump and outstanding ability.
It may sound ludicrous to call a three-time Champions League-winning goalkeeper underrated. But Navas has been overlooked for bigger, brighter names such as David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois, with whom Real Madrid eventually replaced him. A move to Paris Saint Germain beckoned, where his impressive performances once again saw him reach the last hurdle of the Champions League trophy.
Like Real Madrid, however, in the summer of 2021, PSG too chose to replace Navas with the star name of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Navas was once again relegated to the bench as perhaps the most overqualified second choice goalkeeper in European football.
#2 Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
Many eyebrows will be raised at the inclusion of Marc-Andre ter Stegen in this list, who is nevertheless recognized as one of the best in the world.
However, Ter Stegen has never truly received the appropriate acclaim and regard he deserves as the best goalkeeper in the world. The shadow of Leo Messi's constant heroics at the other end of the pitch at Barcelona and that of German captain Manuel Neuer at the national level have seen to it.
The German was signed from Borussia Monchengladbach as a replacement for Victor Valdes. Since then, he has grown by leaps and bounds at the Camp Nou, having fought for his place as No.1 to displace Claudio Bravo.
Aside from his physical ability to make highlight-reel saves, there's also his vast technical proficiency to act as the spare man at the back in building play. Additionally, his outstanding mental conditioning to make quick saves from sudden counter-attacks and loss of possession has been a hallmark of the "Barcelona way".
His most memorable games in a Barcelona shirt include *that* Champions League comeback vs Paris Saint Germain in 2016-17. Not to mention his record-breaking 12 save performances against Real Madrid that same season.
Ter Stegen trophies include four La Liga, one Champions League, five Copa Del Rey and one Club World Cup. His ability has raised the standard for modern-day goalkeeping, but he may unfortunately receive far less credit for it than his peers.
#1 Hugo Lloris
World Cup-winning captain Hugo Lloris's form and influence on the goalkeeping scenario should have made him one of the Premier keepers in world football. Despite not having won a single trophy at Tottenham Hotspur, the Frenchman continues to remain an integral component of the team. They've performed consistently in European competions through the decade, going as far as reaching the Champions League final in 2019.
Unfortunately, his lack of trophies at the club level leaves Lloris out of best-in-the-world conversations.
Signed from French club Lyon, Lloris' sweeper-keeper playing style was a step up from Premier League custodians such as Petr Cech and Tim Howard's classic shot-stopper style.
His ability to close down angles and suffocate attackers in 1v1 situations was a key part of Tottenham's pressing game to counter an on-rushing forward. This was in addition to his cat-like acrobatics and reflexes that have left many an attacker in disbelief.
