Goalkeepers can have a very lonely and thankless job at times, and as the last post of a team’s defence they can be subject of very direct blame as even the tiniest of their faults can cost their teams dearly.
Let us take a look at the best goalkeepers of this season of the Champions League.
1. Marc-André ter Stegen
Matches: 11
Clean sheets: 6
Goals conceded: 9
Although Barcelona are out of the Champions League, once again, in the semifinals, ter Stegen has left his mark on the tournament. Nearly half of his 9 conceded goals were conceded in only one match, against Liverpool in the 2nd leg of the semifinal. He has maintained a 54.5% of clean-sheets in the games he played with Barcelona, which is the highest of the tournament. He has been very consistent, dazzling with his reflexes, good decision-making. He also has been strong in the air, good in one-on-one situations, and effective at communicating with his back-line.
2. Wojciech Szczesny
Matches: 10
Clean sheets: 5
Goals conceded: 9
After Buffon’s exit from Juventus, the mantle of the number 1 shirt was handed on to Szczesny, who has done well, even in the Champions League apart from the domestic Serie A. Juventus crashed out of the tournament in the quarterfinal phase, although until that point the keeper has put on a steady and consistent performance without any considerable mistakes to cost his team.
3. Andre Onana
Matches: 18
Clean sheets: 4
Goals conceded: 13
Ajax have been a phenomenon this season with their whole team being praised for their total football and Cruyffism, with their giant-killing performances. Although their goalkeeper Andre Onana was hardly mentioned enough. The keeper stood strong with his communication to the defenders being clear and well-heard, accompanied by his daring decision making going for aerial balls over the defenders, specially from opposition set-pieces. His ball distribution has been quite at par with the Ajax standards too.
