FIFPRO, the World Players’ union, in conjunction with FIFA today announced the five man goalkeeper shortlist for the 2014 World XI, with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Juventus stars included. Read the full list here:
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Claudio Bravo (FC Barcelona)
A stellar season with Real Sociedad and superb World Cup with Chile earned Claudio Bravo a transfer to FC Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The 31 year old showed he had what it takes to replace Catalan favourite Victor Valdes from the off, keeping clean sheets in his first eight league games for The Blaugrana.
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
It might be his 13th year at Juventus but 36 year old Gianluigi Buffon was crucial to the success of the Old Lady last season, helping them to a 30th Serie A title. The most expensive keeper in the world when bought for £32m by Juventus in 2001, Buffon recently made his 500th appearance for the Italian side and just penned a new deal until 2017.
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
Sidelined under Mourinho’s tenure as coach, Casillas made an inspiring comeback into the Real Madrid first team last season culminating in the club’s tenth Champions League success and Casillas’ third. But despite achieving ‘La Decima’ and winning the 20th trophy of his career, the 33 year old says he has no plans to quit yet and wants to play until he’s at least 40.
Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
After being instrumental in Atletico Madrid’s march to the Champions League final last season Courtois returned from his three year loan at the Spanish club to Chelsea this season and was expected to warm the bench. However, the Belgium international quickly displaced long standing number one Petr Cech and has been crucial to Chelsea’s 12 match unbeaten start to the Barclays Premier League this season. The 22 year old recently signed a five year deal at the West London club, keeping him there until 2019.
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Maybe becoming more famous for his ludicrous skills rather than amazing saves, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is surely favourite to be named in the FIFPro World XI after being key to Bayern’s record 24th Bundesliga title and Germany’s first World Cup since 1990. Speaking of his team-mate, Spain international Xabi Alonso said if Neuer were to break the Messi-Ronaldo deadlock and win the Ballon d’Or it would be totally deserved.
You can view FIFPro’s video of the nominations below: