Ten of the Best Goalkeepers in the World

A good goalkeeper can mean the difference between success and failure for a team. Here is a look at 10 of the best goalkeepers in the world.

1. Gianluigi Buffon (Italy & Juventus)

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Together with Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Buffon is thought of my many observers as the best goalkeeper of the last decade. The Juventus custodian has few weaknesses and remains the most expensive goalkeeper in the world following his 2001 move from Parma to Juve.

2. Iker Casillas (Spain & Real Madrid)

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'Saint Iker,' as he is known at Real Madrid, has been his club's first-choice goalkeeper since he was a teenager, having come through the youth set-up. He made a few high profile errors for Real Madrid last season, but those should be forgiven considering his years of consistently outstanding performances. Currently the second most capped Spanish goalkeeper after Andoni Zubizarreta and became a World Cup winner in July 2010.

3. Petr Cech (Czech Republic & Chelsea)

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Since arriving at Chelsea from Rennes in 2004, Cech has been a model of consistency, rarely making errors and helping the club to three Premier League titles. He recovered from a fractured skull sustained in a controversial challenge by Reading’s Stephen Hunt in 2006. Cech instils confidence in what is a solid Chelsea defense, and although he may have fewer saves to make than many goalkeepers, it is a sign of his class and extreme concentration that he is rarely found wanting when called upon. A busier figure on the international stage.

4. Victor Valdes (Spain & Barcelona)

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There is a case for arguing that if the Barcelona custodian was any other nationality, he would be his country’s number one. But Valdes has had the misfortune of being in his prime at the same time as Casillas, who has held the Spain jersey for 10 years. Valdes is Barca’s most successful goalkeeper, having won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues with the club. The former Tenerife youth player is terrific in one-on-one situations. He only earned his first cap for the national team in 2010.

5. Julio Cesar (Brazil & Inter Milan)

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Emerged as Brazil's first-choice goalkeeper for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers and the Inter Milan stalwart did not let his country down.  Has come back strongly from several high-profile mistakes that blighted him earlier in his career. Together with Buffon, Cesar is considered the best goalkeeper in Serie A.

6. Joe Hart (England & Manchester City)

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The least experienced goalkeeper on the list, but Hart has made very few mistakes in his time at Birmingham City and Manchester City. His excellent form on loan at St Andrews in the 2009-10 season led to Shay Given losing his place in the Man City side, and Hart is now England's number one goalkeeper. A superb shot-stopper possessed with calmness and authority.

7. Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United)

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The veteran Dutchman will retire at the end of the season, despite his club being keen for him to prolong his stay at Old Trafford for one last season. United will miss his commanding presence in the penalty area, his ability to stop shots at point blank range and all the experience of his 20-plus years in the game.

8. Pepe Reina (Spain & Liverpool)

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Like Valdes, Reina has been a victim of Casillas’ phenomenal performances at international level. But Liverpool know his worth and persuaded the Spaniard to sign a new contract with the club in 2010. Reina has hinted at his frustrations about a lack of silverware in recent seasons and the Reds may have to invest more heavily if they are to retain his services. Prone to the odd howler like most goalkeepers, but still one of the most consistent in the premier League.

9. Hugo Lloris (France & Lyon)

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Number one for French giants Lyon, Lloris looks to have a promising career ahead of him for club and country. Boasting a long reach and superb reflexes, Lloris is capable of keeping strikers at bay when his team are firmly under the cosh. Previously at Nice, he was signed by Lyon to replace former France international Gregory Coupet. Must improve his decision making.

10. Samir Handanovic (Slovenia & Udinese)

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The 6ft 5in stopper is under contract with Udinese until 2012 but do not be surprised if he joins a bigger club soon. Conceding just four goals in 10 2010 World Cup qualifying matches, Handanovic helps form the spine of the team, with his agility and penalty-saving prowess both valuable assets.