5 most valuable young goalkeepers in the world

Not as bad as people make him out to be

There used to be a time when goalkeepers were simply required to boot the ball as far away from the defence as they could. The toe-ing phenomenon was huge and they did exactly what was needed when the offence came around. 

Now, however, the goalkeepers are much more involved in the game. They’re expected to help in the build up play and essentially act as the kind of base passer who can spread the ball tactically where needed. Much more work with the ball at their feet and no more toe-ing. 

Given that’s how goalkeepers are viewed, their role in the team is a lot more important and one that could decide just how the game pans out. So, here’s looking at five of the most valuable goalkeepers coming through the ranks of various top football clubs:

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#5 Loris Karius – €8 million

Signed from FC Mainz at the start of the season, 23-year-old Loris Karius was expected to come in and permanently replace Belgian Simon Mignolet at Liverpool. A string of poor performances and unnecessary pressure from ‘pundits’ Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher meant the German soon felt the heat. 

He’s since been limited to performance in cup competitions while Mignolet has resumed normal service acting as Liverpool’s number one. However, Karius is still young and has the kind of physique and potential to become a great goalkeeper in time. 

In the 16 games he’s played for Liverpool this season, Karius has kept 6 clean sheets and is en route to showing improvement with every passing game. All he needs is time and the confidence of his manager. Should he get those two, he could develop into a real asset for the Merseyside club.