During the past few years, goalkeepers alone have stood out and saved their teams countless times, but last season and this summer's World Cup were on another level. The sheer amount of saves that certain goalkeepers tend to make during a match is extraordinary, with Jan Oblak, David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois being some of the best in the position.
However, who do you think will manage to impress the most in goal? In order to help you with the decision we have collected most of the exceptional goalkeepers from Europe's top five leagues and how they managed to do in the previous season.
Jan Oblak (22 clean sheets in 37 matches with a save percentage of 59.5%)
The Slovenian continued to show the world how much of a stunning goalkeeper he is last season, with some outstanding performances in La Liga and in the Europa League. Apart from having the most clean sheets in Europe's top five leagues, he also managed to get the highest save percentage of any first-team goalkeeper. While he may continue to impress this season, there is a level of uncertainty regarding his future with Atletico Madrid, as several top clubs, including city rivals, Real Madrid are chasing his signature. Wherever he ends up, the tall Slovenian will surely protect the team with some crucial saves.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (19 clean sheets in 37 matches with a save percentage of 51.4%)
The reliant German impressed once again during the season, getting a respectable amount of cleansheets, whilst also producing some marvellous saves to help Barcelona win the La Liga and the Copa del Rey. He seems to be improving season by season, and with the performances he is putting out, he could well and truly be on course to inherit the number one spot for Germany from Manuel Neuer.
David De Gea (18 clean sheets in 37 matches with a save percentage of 48.6%)
The Premier League's Golden Glove winner managed to have a very good season between the sticks for Manchester United as he won several points practically by himself. Even though it was an overall disappointing season for the Red Devils, he was the shining light, as he won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a record-breaking fourth time. Whilst he may have had a relatively poor World Cup with Spain, he will surely kick on and have another incredible season.
Pepe Reina (18 clean sheet in 37 matches with a save percentage of 48.6%)
One of the most experienced goalkeepers in the Serie A managed to win the league's Golden Glove after racking up an impressive 18 clean sheets for Napoli, as the team pushed Juventus to the final few games of the season, eventually finishing second to the team from Turin. His impressive performances earned him a move to AC Milan on a free transfer, where he will be fighting for the number one spot against Gianluigi Donnarumma, if the Italian stays.
Alphonse Areola (17 clean sheets in 34 matches with a save percentage of 50%)
The PSG academy graduate had a very solid season for PSG, as they won the three domestic trophies. Even at the relatively young age of just 25, the Frenchman has managed to overtake Kevin Trapp as the number one goalkeeper, and the decision seems to have been a good one by the manager, with Areola also joining the French national team in their victorious World Cup campaign. Even with the signing of the legendary Gianluigi Buffon, Areola's place in the first eleven looks set for the next season.
Ederson (17 clean sheets in 36 matches with a save percentage of 47.2%)
The Brazilian arrived in Manchester from Benfica last season, and he has not disappointed. His incredible reflexes, along with his outstanding confidence on the ball is perfect for a Pep Guardiola side, and it showed this season, as they went on to break several records in their title-winning season. Whilst he will face tough competition for the Golden Glove, the Brazilian will be looking to clinch his first individual award next season.
Alisson (17 clean sheets in 37 matches with a save percentage of 45.9%)
AS Roma managed to bag a bargain with the purchase of Alisson, just a few transfer windows ago, as he went on the have one of the best seasons a goalkeeper can ever have. Incredible saves all round pushed Roma to the semi-finals of the Champions League, with him earning a record-breaking move to Liverpool this summer. While he has the pressure of the price-tag on him, he will try and let his football do the talking and not the price.
Samir Handanovic (17 clean sheets in 38 matches with a save percentage of 44.7%)
The veteran Slovenian managed to have a very good season with Inter Milan, as apart from clinching a place in the Champions League this season, he also racked up a very impressive 17 clean sheets for the Nerazzurri. He may not be at his very best, but there are little to no signs of him getting older, as he keeps on producing fantastic performances in goal.
Thibaut Courtois (15 clean sheets in 35 matches with a save percentage of 42.9%)
The Belgian number one had a very tough season with Chelsea, as they missed out on the Champions League after what was a poor campaign overall. However, Courtois was one of the few bright lights that kept their hopes alive, producing some thrilling performances for the Londoners. With his future being unclear with Chelsea, several top clubs such as Real Madrid are reportedly interested in his signature.
