Best Goalkeeper In The World 2019: The Definitive Ranking

\nAlright guys, let's dive into the thrilling world of football and reminisce about the goalkeeping giants who dominated the year 2019. This wasn't just any year; it was a year of incredible saves, stunning performances, and goalkeepers who consistently defied the odds. So, who truly stood out as the best goalkeeper in the world in 2019? That's the golden question we're here to answer. Forget the usual suspects for a moment; we're digging deep to celebrate the titans between the posts.

The Contenders for the Crown

Before we reveal our pick, let's acknowledge the stellar competition. 2019 was packed with goalkeepers who consistently delivered top-notch performances. We saw veterans displaying their enduring quality and rising stars making a name for themselves on the global stage. Alisson Becker, for example, had a monumental year with Liverpool, securing the Champions League title and showcasing reflexes that seemed almost superhuman. His commanding presence in the box and exceptional distribution skills made him a formidable opponent for any attacking force.

Then there's Marc-André ter Stegen, the rock of Barcelona's defense. His shot-stopping abilities are second to none, and his confidence on the ball often initiates attacks from the back. Ter Stegen's agility and composure under pressure make him a complete modern goalkeeper. Not to be forgotten is Jan Oblak, Atlético Madrid's ever-reliable guardian. Known for his incredible consistency and remarkable positioning, Oblak is a nightmare for strikers. His ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations has saved Atlético countless points over the years.

These goalkeepers, along with others like Ederson and Manuel Neuer, represent the pinnacle of goalkeeping talent. Each brought their unique strengths to the table, making the selection process incredibly challenging. But only one can be crowned the best. So, let's delve deeper into what set our top contender apart.

Alisson Becker: A Titan in Goal

When discussing the best goalkeeper in the world in 2019, Alisson Becker's name inevitably rises to the top. His performances for Liverpool that year were nothing short of sensational. He wasn't just good; he was transformative. Alisson's arrival at Anfield brought a sense of security and confidence to the defense that had been missing for years. His impact was immediate and profound, contributing significantly to Liverpool's success both domestically and in Europe.

One of Alisson's standout qualities is his exceptional shot-stopping ability. His reflexes are lightning-fast, and he has an uncanny knack for anticipating shots. Time and again, he made saves that seemed impossible, denying opponents clear goal-scoring opportunities. But Alisson is more than just a shot-stopper. His commanding presence in the box allows him to dominate aerial duels and clear any danger with authority. He is also incredibly adept at claiming crosses, relieving pressure on his defense and maintaining control of the game.

Another crucial aspect of Alisson's game is his distribution. He is comfortable playing the ball with his feet and can accurately distribute the ball to his teammates, launching counter-attacks or building patiently from the back. This ability makes him a valuable asset in the modern game, where goalkeepers are increasingly expected to contribute to the team's overall play. In 2019, Alisson's performances reached their peak, earning him numerous accolades and cementing his status as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. His contributions were instrumental in Liverpool's Champions League triumph and their strong showing in the Premier League.

The Deciding Factors

So, what factors tipped the scales in favor of our chosen best goalkeeper in the world in 2019? It wasn't just about making saves; it was about the overall impact on the team, the consistency of performance, and the ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments. Several elements came into play when evaluating the candidates.

• Consistency: A top goalkeeper must consistently perform at a high level, game after game. Occasional brilliance is impressive, but sustained excellence is what truly sets the best apart. We looked for goalkeepers who consistently delivered solid performances and minimized errors.
• Impact on the Team: The best goalkeepers have a transformative effect on their teams. Their presence instills confidence in the defense and provides a sense of security that allows the team to play with greater freedom. We considered how each goalkeeper influenced their team's overall performance and success.
• Big-Game Performances: The ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches is a hallmark of a top goalkeeper. We analyzed how each candidate fared in high-stakes games, such as Champions League knockout matches and important league fixtures.
• Shot-Stopping Ability: Obviously, this is a crucial factor. We assessed the goalkeepers' reflexes, agility, and technique in making saves. We looked for those who consistently made difficult saves and prevented goals that seemed certain.
• Distribution and Command of the Area: Modern goalkeepers are expected to be more than just shot-stoppers. Their ability to distribute the ball effectively and command their penalty area is increasingly important. We evaluated the goalkeepers' skills in these areas as well.

By carefully considering these factors, we arrived at our definitive ranking of the best goalkeeper in the world in 2019.

And the Winner Is...

Drumroll, please! After much deliberation, our pick for the best goalkeeper in the world in 2019 is none other than Alisson Becker. His outstanding performances for Liverpool throughout the year made him the clear frontrunner. Alisson's consistency, shot-stopping ability, command of his area, and distribution skills were all top-notch. But what truly set him apart was his impact on Liverpool's success.

His arrival transformed Liverpool's defense, turning them into one of the most formidable defensive units in Europe. His saves in crucial Champions League matches were instrumental in their title-winning run. And his consistent performances in the Premier League helped Liverpool mount a serious title challenge. Alisson's impact extended beyond just preventing goals; he instilled a sense of confidence and calm throughout the team. His presence allowed the defenders to play with greater freedom, knowing they had a reliable guardian behind them.

In summary, Alisson Becker's exceptional performances, combined with his transformative impact on Liverpool's success, made him the undisputed best goalkeeper in the world in 2019. He was not just a great shot-stopper but a complete modern goalkeeper who excelled in all aspects of the game. His contributions were invaluable, and he deserves all the accolades he received. Congrats, Alisson, you absolutely nailed it that year!

Honorable Mentions

While Alisson Becker takes the crown, it's essential to acknowledge the other goalkeeping giants who shone brightly in 2019. These guys weren't far behind and deserve massive props for their incredible performances.

• Marc-André ter Stegen: Barcelona's shot-stopping maestro continued to impress with his agility and composure. His distribution skills are among the best in the world, making him a vital part of Barcelona's build-up play.
• Jan Oblak: Atlético Madrid's rock-solid guardian remained a nightmare for strikers. His consistency and positioning are unparalleled, making him one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the world.
• Ederson: Manchester City's Brazilian goalkeeper showcased his exceptional distribution skills and ability to launch quick counter-attacks. His confidence on the ball makes him a key player in City's tactical approach.
• Manuel Neuer: The veteran German goalkeeper proved that he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level. His experience and leadership were invaluable for Bayern Munich.

These honorable mentions represent the depth of talent in the goalkeeping world. They all had exceptional years and contributed significantly to their respective teams' success.

Conclusion: A Year of Goalkeeping Glory

2019 was truly a remarkable year for goalkeeping. We witnessed incredible performances, stunning saves, and goalkeepers who consistently defied expectations. While Alisson Becker emerged as the best goalkeeper in the world in 2019, the other contenders deserve immense credit for their contributions to the beautiful game. So, let's raise a glass to all the goalkeeping heroes who made 2019 a year to remember! You guys are legends! What a time to be alive and watch these amazing athletes in action. Cheers to more breathtaking saves and unforgettable moments in the years to come!