The role of a goalkeeper has continued to evolve over the years. A lot of coaches now deploy the ball-playing skills of their goalkeepers. Shot stoppers, apart from being excellent between the sticks, are also required depending on the coach’s tactics to be involved in the buildup of play from the back. A few keepers in the modern game have done well in this role, and we spotlight some of them.
Here are are the seven best ball-playing goalkeepers in the world in 2022.
1. Ederson Santana De Moraes – Manchester City
The Manchester City FC goalkeeper is very crucial to the way Pep Guardiola sets up his team to play.
Ederson is very comfortable on the ball, helping his team build from the back with his decent passing range and excellent long balls.
This is in addition to his already great goalkeeping prowess. The 29-year-old has been a calming influence at the back for the Cityzens with his game-winning saves and telegraphic long balls that have led to the occasional assist from the Brazilian.
This season has seen Ederson at the top of his game, and his spectacular performances will be needed, as Man City goes in search of a historic quadruple.
2. Allison Becker – Liverpool
The Brazilian number 1 has been arguably the best goalkeeper in the world for the past couple of years.
Possessing great agility and steady hands, the Liverpool FC goalkeeper has been one of the significant contributors to the amazing success the reds have enjoyed these past 2 seasons.
His excellent ball-playing skills have helped in initiating attacks as well as keeping possession when under pressure.
The quality of his long balls is also noteworthy which once led to a goal for Reds striker Mohamed Salah, against rivals Manchester United.
In the 2020/21 season, Allison has the best average successful passes of any goalkeeper in the English Premier League.
3. Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich
The Bayern Munich number 1 has made a name for himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the modern game.
Noted for his confidence and last-ditch saves, the German also has ball-playing skills in his repertoire.
Many times, he has acted as an extra defender mopping up loose balls or making last-minute clearances.
His ease on the ball makes him a passing option for his teammates when building from the back.
He has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga for many years now.
4. Hugo Lloris – Tottenham
The French World Cup-winning goalkeeping is adept with the ball at his feet.
Hugo is good with both feet and is a calming presence at the back for his club side Tottenham Hotspur FC.
The 35-year-old, apart from being proficient on the ball, is also a very capable shot-stopper.
5. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – Barcelona
The German goalkeeper has been a mainstay in the Barcelona FC team for some years now.
Apart from his goalkeeping ability Ter Stegen, also has above average passing ability, which is no surprise considering the possession heavy style of the Catalans.
Obviously one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga, Ter Stegen deserves to be on this list.
The 30-year-old is always usually involved in build-up play from the back, often providing a passing option to help maintain and rotate possession.
He is very calm under pressure and even provided two assists for Barca last season.
Honourable Mentions:
- Illan Meslier – Leeds United
- Emiliano Martínez – Aston Villa
- Ivan Provedel – Spezia
- Wojciech Szczesny – Juventus
- Edgar Badia – Elche
- Sergio Herrera – Osasuna
- Baptiste Reynet – Nimes
- Walter Benítez – Nice
- Stefan Ortega Moreno – Arminia Bielefeld,
- Yann Sommer – Borussia Monchegladbach
