Top 3 goalkeepers with best save success rate in 2019
190323 Goalkeeper Rune Almenning Jarstein of Norway ahead of the penalty kick from Sergio Ramos of Spain during the UEFA Euro Qualifier football match between Spain and Norway on March 23, 2019 in Valencia. Photo: Vegard Wivestad Grøtt / BILDBYRÅN / kod VG / 170317
Goalkeepers are one of the most important figures on a football field.
Undervalued for their contributions and over-criticised for their errors, there is no position under quite as much scrutiny as the goalkeeper.
Their unique position makes those who excel there all the more impressive. With that in mind, we have decided to make a list of the Top 3 goalkeepers with best save success rate in 2019 (who have made more than 10 appearances for their club). There might be some surprises, so buckle up.
3. Salvatore Sirigu
According to WhoScored.com, Torino shot-stopper Salvatore Sirigu kept opponents out 79.2% of the time, making him the third best goalkeeper in Europe for 2019.
At 32, he has already played for Italy since 2010, collecting just 22 appearances behind Buffon, and previously started for French club Paris Saint-Germain. He is the veteran second-choice needed at the Italy national team. Sirigu was on the verge of playing in the Champions League this season with Torino, but they stumbled upon an obstacle such as English side Wolverhampton.
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2. Jan Oblak
When it comes to goalkeeping excellence in Europe, there’s only one man who need be considered.
Others may rise and fall, may occasionally challenge his spot but no one can truly step to Jan Oblak, the Slovenian stopper for Atletico Madrid. He has 11 clean sheets in La Liga in 2019, having conceded only 13 goals, but even more impressive is that his save percentage is a frankly staggering 81.2%, per WhoScored.com. However, if you think that record is impressive, you should see the following one.
1. Gianluigi Donnarumma
Quite surprisingly, AC Milan talent Gianluigi Donnarumma is the best performing goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues in 2019. The current Italy No. 1 narrowly beat Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid into second place with a 81.9% success rate, according to WhoScored.com.
It is particularly remarkable considering Donnarumma is still only 20 years old, but made his Serie A debut aged 16 years and eight months. The summer transfer window once again saw the Rossoneri’s prized young goalkeeper linked with a move away from the San Siro, but now he is set to sign a new contract, tying him down with the club for much longer. It is safe to say that the future at AC Milan is shining bright.