Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Goalkeepers

Rene Adler (Hamburg and Germany) 17 games, 0 goals **

A switch to Hamburg has been just the tonic that the career of Rene Adler was crying out for. Previously the German number one he was displaced by Bernd Leno at Bayer Leverkusen last season and appeared to have his best days behind him. The form he has shown at Hamburg has arguably been the best of his career and led to a recall to the German national team for a recent friendly with the Netherlands.

Samir Handanovic (Inter and Slovenia) 16 games, 0 goals **

Following his summer move from Udinese, Handanovic has continued the form which impressed so much for the zebras. Inter’s early season form has been built on the security Handanovic provides, in marked contrast to the difficulties faced by his former club.  Given his height it is sometimes surprising quite how agile the Slovenian international is, but few can question his ability to pull off remarkable saves.

Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) 17 games, 0 goals *

Arguably the story of the season so far in the Bundesliga has been the remarkable success of Frankfurt. Although they have fallen away slightly in recent weeks the performances of Trapp were integral in that fine form. Every inch a modern keeper, with excellent distribution and positioning, Germany appear to have yet another young prospect competing to displace Manuel Neuer.

Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus and Italy) 16 games, 0 goals *

While they have already suffered two defeats this season, breaking an exceptional unbeaten run, Juventus actually look stronger this season than they did last time out. Buffon remains unflappable and is a constant source of security behind the Old Lady’s tried and tested back three. If one question can be raised it is that he has rarely seen enough action to truly demonstrate his finest form.

Fraser Forster (Celtic and England) 20 games, 0 goals *

Celtic’s champions league progression owes a huge debt to the performances of Forster. A spectacular shot stopper who proved almost unbeatable at times he has drawn many admiring glances from across the continent. With England’s goalkeeping situation far from a picture of health he could well be a credible alternative to Joe Hart and Jack Butland.

Remy Vercoutre (Lyon and France) 17 games, 0 goals *

The departure of Hugo Lloris to Tottenham might well have threatened to derail Lyon’s season. Instead, understudy Vecoutre has stepped up and made the position his own with a series of unflappable performances. Having been at the club for over ten years the keeper has had precious few opportunities in the past , playing second fiddle to Gregory Coupet before Lloris, but has now staked a great claim to the jersey on a permanent basis.

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich and Germany) 17 games, 0 goals *

Given the remarkable team performances from Bayern during the Hinrunde it has sometimes been difficult to gauge quite how well Manuel Neuer has been playing. Such has been the dominance enjoyed by the German leaders there have been whole games in which he has hardly been tested. Yet when called upon Neuer remains a keeper of exceptional class and has proven he has the concentration to leap into action at a moment’s notice.

Federico Marchetti (Lazio and Italy) 13 games, 0 goals *

Lazio’s second place at the Christmas break has owed much to the heroics of goalkeeper Federico Marchetti. Indeed, the impact of his absence from the side has been noticeable, with Lazio conceding 10 goals in the five league games he has missed, compared with just 8 in his thirteen appearances. At his best in the team’s 0-0 draw with Juventus in November, Lazio will need him to remain in such fine form if they are to consolidate their Champions League position.

Willy Caballero (Málaga and Argentina) 17 games, 0 goals *

Malaga’s strong start to the season has been founded on a superb defensive record. Nobody can take more credit for that than Caballero, who despite his modest price tag is looking like one of the club’s shrewdest signings. Given the difficulties Argentina have had in goal in recent years it might not be too late for an international debut.

Petr Cech (Chelsea and Czech Republic) 19 games, 0 goals *

Few clubs have endured greater volatility over recent year than Chelsea, and the disruption caused by Roberto di Matteo’s sacking proves this season is no exception. Despite that Petr Cech remains a rare beacon of stability in Chelsea defence. Having returned to something approaching his best during last year’s Champions League success, that form has been continued this season as he has captained the team in the absence of John Terry and Frank Lampard.