Top 5 Goalkeepers for the '10's

Right on the heels of a round of Who likes goals?, it seemed a proper time to celebrate some of the top shot-stoppers in the global game. Rather than go for the obligatory current superstar ranking, I figured we should take a glimpse at the next generation of stonewall netminders.

I did not include obvious choices with plenty of time left on their sides, such as Real Madrid's Iker Casillas (27) and Chelsea's Petr Cech (26), who are already among the world's finest backstops.

Before we begin, let's run through some honorable mentions: Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga Keeper of the Year René Adler (23), Palermo ace Marco Amelia (26), Arsenal understudy Łukasz Fabiański (23), U.S./Aston Villa back-up Brad Guzan (22), shock Valencia #1 Renan (23), Vitesse's Piet Velthuizen (21) and Ajax prodigy Kenneth Vermeer (22).

#5 - Rorys Aragon Espinoza

When Standard Liège's 26-year old guardian matches up against Everton in the second leg of their UEFA Cup tie on October 2nd, Tim Howard will dueling an extremely quick opposite with two away goals in his pocket. The Toffees will do well to match that against the Ecuador international, who U.S. fans may remember from a March 2007 friendly won 3-1 by the Red, White & Blue. He plays big by cutting angles in a distinct way. Early in his career, observers often criticized his positioning, but actually, the wily Espinoza offers shooters what seems to be an open side, only to cruelly take it away. Ladies and gentlemen, meet "the new and improved Dida".

#4 - Oscar Ustari

While starring for Independiente, the 22-year old was linked to just about every glamour Prem, La Liga and Serie A club. Getafe finally named the right price to bring him to Europe before last season and he now is being tutored by Argentina World Cup 2006 teammate Roberto Abbondanzieri. A rather hawkish keeper with typical cage star size and range, Ustari was the man as Baby Albiceleste to the 2005 U-20 World Cup crown and helped the 2008 Olympic gold medal winners to the knockouts before suffering an injury.

#3 - Steve Mandanda

When you view the clip below, note how similar the Olympique Marseille 23-year old is to USMNT star Howard in style and strengths; the efficiency of movement, the anticipation, the wide stance, the confrontational positioning. In just over two years, Mandanda has gone from a no-name at Le Havre (had to give a shout to my buddy Pierre's hometown club) to stud L'OM injury stand-in to France starter. It doesn't hurt that he is also one of the best keepers at using his feet to make kick saves and diving low. Despite being born in Kinshasa, Zaire, Stevie Wonder often appears to be emulating ice hockey goaltenders. And keep look out for the surname, because he has three younger brothers, all of whom are hotshot netminding prospects.

#2 - Maarten Stekelenburg

The new Holland starter AND captain (pictured above) is built in the mold of his storied predecessor, Edwin van der Sar: long, lean, daring and cat-like to any angle. It's no wonder he is one of the premier penalty kick stoppers on the rock. Like his mentor, "Stek" is also a top-shelf distributor, often sparking attacks with his quick, low arc throws and kicks. The 26-year old reigning Ajax Player of the Year has worked very hard to get to where he is - a few years ago, he was considered a far lesser prospect than Bogdan Lobont (now with Dinamo Bucharest after a rough spell at Fiorentina). Stekelenburg, however, looks set to make it big at the top level. Despite buying two keepers last month, Tottenham have hinted they will make a run at him next summer.



#1 - Igor Akinfeev

Though only 22, the CSKA Moscow superstar in the making has already raised a UEFA Cup, guided a dark horse Russia side to bronze of Euro 2008 and even posted a 362-minute Champions League shutout streak just out of his teens. When push comes to shove, there are few tougher keepers in the world at any age, be it on crosses or goalmouth scrambles. Sturdy, studied and obscenely cool under fire for his age, Akinfeev has already been an Arsenal target for three years. When he does leave for greener pa$tures, expect the transfer fee the be in the €25-30 million range.

- Greg Seltzer

Espinoza



Ustari



Mandanda



Stekelenburg



Akinfeev

(Fair warning: the song on the clip drops the F-bomb... only good reel I could find, though.