When it comes to goalkeepers, few leagues can compete with the Bundesliga. A league stacked full of great shot-stoppers, the Bundesliga is known for its quality in the position. We’ve been through the division, breaking down which goalkeepers are the most invaluable and why. Here are just some of the Bundesliga’s best at the goalkeeping position.
The Bundesliga’s Most Invaluable Goalkeepers
Roman Bürki – An Emerging Star
After a disappointing campaign last season, Bürki was labelled inconsistent and unreliable. As Dortmund finished fourth in the Bundesliga, he was singled out as one of the team’s main weaknesses. However, Dortmund showed no signs of giving up on the Swiss keeper, as Bürki remained the teams number one.
Sticking with Bürki, Dortmund made one key decision which has helped him become the keeper he is today. They brought in fellow Swiss keeper Marwin Hitz, which added competition and catapulted Bürki into becoming one of the Bundesliga’s best goalkeepers. Bürki has been invaluable this season, keeping ten clean sheets in all competitions. Now 28-years-old, he is entering his prime. A keeper who once struggled is now the main man and a true number one who is sure to play a big role in Dortmund for many years to come.
Manuel Neuer – Experience Matters
Missing the majority of last season, Neuer has been heavily criticised since last summer. After a disappointing World Cup, Neuer experienced a poor first half of the season by his own high standards.
However, Germany’s first choice keeper is still one of the best around, regularly stepping up and making big saves for club and country. Despite his struggles towards the end of 2018, Neuer remains an invaluable option for Bayern Munich. Experience will be key for Bayern as they hope to retain their Bundesliga title, expect their captain to play a big role. Known as “the wall” in Munich, Neuer has kept 11 clean sheets in all competitions. Set to turn 33 this year, Neuer’s time as the German number one may be coming to an end, but his impact in Munich will be invaluable over the next few seasons.
Yann Sommer – Gladbach’s Leader
One of the world’s most consistent goalkeepers, Sommer has been Gladbach’s number one since 2014. Two-time Swiss footballer of the year, the 30-year-old keeper is the team’s leader on the pitch.
In a young team, Sommer is a consistent shot-stopper, known for making big saves. Marshalling a young defence, Sommer plays a key role for Gladbach. A world-class shot-stopper and crucial leader, the Swiss keeper has led Gladbach to a league-low 18 goals conceded so far this season. Mönchengladbach believe they’re in the title race this season. If they successfully mount a title challenge, Sommer is sure to play a key role.
Péter Gulácsi – RB Leipzig’s Unknown Star
Experienced, reliable and one the Bundesliga’s best shot-stoppers. Not enough people know about Gulácsi, but hopefully, that will change. A former Liverpool keeper, Gulácsi has played a key role in helping RB Leipzig establish themselves in the Bundesliga.
Signing for just £2.7 million back in 2015, the Hungarian is now one the best goalkeepers in the league. Proving to be a superb investment, Gulácsi is only just entering his prime at 28. Keeping nine clean sheets in 21 games, Gulácsi has been invaluable for Leipzig since joining the club. A club with big ambitions, Leipzig hope to compete for Bundesliga titles and European football regularly in the near future. Gulácsi is sure to play a key role for the club, as the Hungarian has a contract until 2022.
Arguably the best goalkeeping league in the world, the Bundesliga is spoilt for choice when it comes to world-class keepers. The likes of Oliver Baumann, Jiri Pavlenka, Rune Jarstein, Koen Casteels and Lukáš Hrádecký make up what is an excellent group of keepers that represent the Bundesliga on weekly basis.
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