When starting a new save on FM the first thing you'll probably do is to rebuild the squad. Although many of you first target the striker or a number 10 type of player, you really should start from your number one. The goalkeeper.
Legendary Johan Cruyff once said: "The goalie is the first attacker." Goalkeepers tend to be forgotten about in favor of the blockbuster names that play outfield, but a strong shot-stopper is a key to a successful side. Find a good goalkeeper and you won't have to look again for a long, long time. They very rarely get injured, and can play every game of your season no matter how deep you go in cup competitions.
In the modern game, 'keepers don't just need to be able to block shots, but also instigate attacks from the backline with their ball-playing ability. Therefore finding the perfect fit is crucial.
So, who are the perfect ones?
15. Predrag Rajković
- Age: 23 years old
- Nationality: Serbia (11 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: Stade de Reims
- Value: 4,8 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2023.
- Great potential
- True shot-stopper
- Already made it to the national side
Predrag Rajković is a Serbian goalie, currently defending the Stade de Reims’s goal. He was part of FC Red Star Belgrade and as a proper wonderkid had a bright future ahead of him. However, the financial problems of the Belgrade side made them sell him at only 20 years old to a good paying customer, Maccabi Tel Aviv.
In Israel, Predrag made 4 years of quality appearances starting almost every match. Good saves in UCL made Stade de Reims make a move and he joined the French side in 2019. There, Predrag just exploded. Statistically one of the best European goalkeepers this season Rajković is experienced, but still young and with excellent potential. Very good signing for any side.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/149294/predrag-rajkovic/
14. André Onana
- Age: 23 years old
- Nationality: Cameroon (14 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: Ajax
- Value: 32,1 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2022.
- Fantastic potential
- Already made it to the national side
- Excellent signing for any side fits right in
Onana is really one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the game. Fantastic potential, but not only that, he’s making real difference between the posts of the very good Ajax side. Being a first-team regular in a club of Ajax’s caliber is an achievement by itself, but Onana is one of the most important parts of Dutch machinery. A magnificent spell in the UCL last year will most certainly make some big names fighting for his signature. So, hurry up!
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147597/andre-onana/
13. Jordan Pickford
- Age: 25 years old
- Nationality: England (19 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: Everton
- Value: 28,2 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2024.
- Has the potential to develop into a world-class goalie
- Fantastic mental attributes
- Very good overall stats
Pickford is England’s first choice between the posts and is currently contracted to Everton. Making a move from Southampton where he was a true wonderkid, Pickford continues with quality appearances in Everton. Having 19 caps for England despite his relatively young age makes him a very good prospect. You’ll need to splash the cash but it’ll be worth it on the long terms.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147108/jordan-pickford/
12. Bernd Leno
- Age: 27 years old
- Nationality: Germany (6 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: Arsenal
- Value: 34,2 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2023.
- Fantastic one-on-one stopper
- Amazingly fit player
- Has some room to grow
Bernd Leno is a German goalie currently contracted to Arsenal. He is Arteta’s first option between the posts, and also made 6 caps besides undisputed Manuel Neuer and even ter Stegen. This alone is enough to understand the qualities of this guy, but that’s not it.
He is a fantastic one-on-one stopper, excellent agility, and a magnificent team player. His signing will no doubt strengthen your defense and contribute to your overall success.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147140/bernd-leno/
11. Keylor Navas
- Age: 32 years old
- Nationality: Costa Rica (87 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: PSG
- Value: 42,1 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2023.
- Excellent mental stats highlighting the fact that he will be a star in any league.
- He has a very good work-rate.
- Fantastic reflexes.
Keylor Navas started his career with Saprissa in 2005 and eventually ended up at Real Madrid in 2014. He was their #1 for a while until Thibaut Courtois arrived. In 2019 he moved to Paris Saint-Germain and became their starter. We’ll never forget miracles on Costa Rica’s goal during the 2014 World Cup, including that penalty he saved against Greece in the round of 16.
Navas bring 19 reflexes, 18 concentration, and 16 one on ones, making him a strong goalkeeper. He’ll fit right in the first team of any top side and will contribute massively.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/155191/keylor-navas/
10. Gianluigi Buffon
- Age: 41 years old
- Nationality: Italy (176 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: Juventus
- Value: 3,6 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2020.
- One of the best goalies of all time
- Highest stats in most important areas
- Fantastic experience
I know, I know, he’s 41. But this is legendary Gigi Buffon. You can’t list the best goalies and leave him out. He is the true legend. Once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon was shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or after helping Italy win the 2006 World Cup.
Making 176 caps for the Italian side, and countless games in Serie A, this man is one of the best goalkeepers of all time. Even now, in 41, he is fantastic between the posts. His attributes are just remarkable, and mentals are beyond the par. Just having him in your team will ensure a fantastic boost of morale and quality. One and only King Gigi.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/149889/gianluigi-buffon/
9. Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Age: 20 years old
- Nationality: Italy
- Club: AC Milan
- Value: 29 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2021.
- Donnarumma has the potential to be a world-class goalkeeper in the future, given he plays enough first-team football
- He is the youngest ever goalkeeper to debut in Serie A, Italian U21, and senior national team
- His mental attributes are amazing, and even now it is obvious that he could become one of the best goalies worldwide
Gianluigi Donnarumma is still regarded as the best Football Manager 2020 wonderkid goalkeeper, even though he had a slight dip in form in the real world. At the beginning of the FM20 he can be a regular even at this age.
With him in your squad you have a top-flight defense, an elite goalkeeper for years to come, a true hear to legendary Gigi Buffon. He is your future captain and a leader in the locker room.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147207/gianluigi-donnarumma/
8. Kepa Arrizabalaga
- Age: 24 years old
- Nationality: Spain (6 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: Chelsea
- Value: 41,2 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2025.
- Fantastic reflexes
- Still developing
- Balanced mental attributes
Ok, no one will ever forget that “I don’t wanna be subbed” episode with Sari but that’s just Kepa. Not that he’ll do that to you in FM. Jokes aside, this is a fantastic goalkeeper already, despite being only 24. Defending the post in the Premier league’s top side ensures his development is steady and secure. Signing him means you’ll have an excellent goalie for the years to come.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147120/kepa-arrizabalaga/
7. Thibaut Courtois
- Age: 27 years old
- Nationality: Belgium (74 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: Real Madrid
- Value: 57,1 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2024.
- Unmatched physical stats
- Fantastic aerial and jumping reach
- World-class goalkeeper
Being fantastic during his loan spell in Atletico Madrid, Tibo quickly made it back to Chelsea in 2014. As he continued with excellent form, Real Madrid came knocking on the door. Courtois is a fantastic goalkeeper, with excellent stats and persistent form. Having him between the posts will ensure your team’s strength in the back. Amazing overall attributes, with still some room to grow.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/155144/thibaut-courtois/
6. Marc-André ter Stegen
- Age: 27 years old
- Nationality: German (22 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: FC Barcelona
- Value: 57,1 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2022.
- His mental stats are a testament to how consistent he is.
- Fantastic kicking ensures he’ll be starting your attacks
- Great when rushing out
Marc-Andre ter Stegen came up with Borussia Monchengladbach, playing over 100 games with them from 2010 to 2014 before Barcelona came calling and snapped him up for £10 million. Since then he has entrenched himself as the #2 for Germany and is taking aim at Neuer’s spot.
In FM20 ter Stegen is a well-rounded player. With 19 kicking, 18 reflexes, and 18 rushing out he can cover almost everything you need him to. He has 18 composure, 18 determination, and 17 anticipation which means he isn’t worried about big occasions.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/155151/marc-andre-ter-stegen/
5. Ederson
- Age: 25 years old
- Nationality: Brazil (5 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: Manchester City
- Value: 60,3 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2025.
- High dribbling and flare stats this early in age will develop to amazing winger
- Physical attributes are just stunning
- Already made to the national side
Ederson started his career with Sao Paulo in Brazil but by 2009 was officially signed with Benfica. After playing a handful of great seasons there his talent caught the eye of Manchester City, and in 2017 he made a move to England.
Ederson is the perfect attacking goalkeeper in Football Manager. With 20 kicking, 17 passing, and 17 vision he can spot a pass and find his man quickly. He also has 17 composure, 16 concentration, and 16 reflexes to get to shots and keep his cool. The true prototype of a modern goalie, Ederson will fit right in any top sides’ first team, and contribute massively.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/155130/ederson/
4. Jan Oblak
- Age: 26 years old
- Nationality: Slovenia (22 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: Atletico de Madrid
- Value: 58,8 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2021.
- Probably some room to progress
- Tremendous mental stats
- Great handling and reflexes
Jan Oblak began his career at Olimpija Ljubljana but soon moved to Benfica in 2010. After lengthy loan spells he ended up at Atletico de Madrid and hasn’t looked back. He has racked up over 200 appearances for them already and is firmly Slovenia’s #1 choice too.
Oblak is the most likely target for you as Atletico is often keen for cash and his wages are still relatively low. His 18 reflexes, 17 decisions, and 16 one on ones make him a superb shot-stopper, while 16 passing and 16 kicking allow him to get the ball out to his teammates quickly.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/155136/jan-oblak/
3. David De Gea
- Age: 28 years old
- Nationality: Spain (39 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: Manchester United
- Value: 56,8 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2023.
- Fantastic agility
- Tremendous reflexes
- Has room to grow
David De Gea came up through Atletico Madrid’s youth system and got his first-team debut with them in 2009. He quickly established himself as the #1 there before moving to Manchester United in 2011. De Gea quickly proved to be a bargain and has been Spain’s go-to choice on the goal too.
In Football Manager de Gea is a superb player. His 20 reflexes, 18 agility, and 18 handling mean not only can he get to basically any shot but he will rarely spill a save either. His 16 composure and 16 anticipation mean he is usually in the right place, and he is good in the air with 16 aerial reach too. The biggest barrier to signing him is that lofty £350,000 a week wage bill. But it’ll be worth it.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147103/david-de-gea/
2. Alisson
- Age: 26 years old
- Nationality: Brazil (42 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: Liverpool
- Value: 64,9 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2023.
- Amazingly rounded attributes
- Fantastic mental stats
- Superb potential
Alisson began his career at Internacional in Brazil and arrived in Europe with Roma in 2016. He didn’t stay there long, as Liverpool snapped him up in 2018 for a massive £67 million in 2018. He has also become Brazil’s #1.
Alisson has 19 determination, 18 composure, and 18 reflexes in FM20, making him an extremely effective shot-stopper. He also has 18 kicking and 16 passing to be a key distributor and excellent at turning defense into attack.
There is little doubt over Alisson's contribution to Liverpool’s emergence as the best team in Europe. He has represented a transformative signing for Liverpool - turning a very good, yet flawed, team into a great, perhaps generational, team. He was the catalyst that transformed Liverpool into the best team in Europe and the world. There is no better measurement of excellence.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/147098/alisson/
1. Manuel Neuer
- Age: 33 years old
- Nationality: Germany (88 caps / 0 goals)
- Club: Bayern Munich
- Value: 51,2 M
- Contract expires: 30.06.2021.
- Sweeper-keeper, fantastic in rushing out
- Stunning reflexes
- Unmatched mental attributes
It might come as a surprise to see Manuel Neuer still atop the goalkeeper mountain, but here the German is. He began his career at Schalke in 2004, moving into their first team in 2006 and soon his performances were making headlines. He was Germany’s first-choice keeper for the 2010 World Cup and moved to Bayern in 2011. The rest is a dominant history of trophies, clean sheets, and remarkable play.
In Football Manager 2020 Neuer is spectacular. With 20 composure, 20 rushing out, and 19 anticipation little happens without him seeing it. His 16 decisions and 13 passing make him a strong sweeper-keeper, while he also possesses 17 command of area and 16 strength.
He has completed more passes than any other goalkeeper in the Champions League this season, has been fantastic when defending penalties (even scored one against Real Madrid), and his sweeper abilities are legendary.
At 33 he is rounding into the 2nd half time of his career, but he is still a true force between the posts.
Details on https://fmdataba.com/20/p/155183/manuel-neuer/
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