We're 17 years into the 21st century and now seems as good a time as any to ask just who are the best players of this century and where would they fit into a team?
It takes a different kind of person to most of us to decide to be a goalkeeper, it's easy the loneliest place on the football pitch and quite frankly you aren't playing much 'foot'ball are you?
Other than being too scared or able to ever give it a proper go I've just never been able to get my head round why anyone would want to play there.
Fortunately some very talented bastards do! Here's raising a glass to goalkeepers but which one is the best in this century? You'll have the chance to vote.
Gianluigi Buffon:
The man has done it all, well almost. 10 Serie A titles with Juventus and he stayed with the club when they were relegated, and won that title. World Cup and European Championship winner with Italy, the only thing he's yet to win is the Champion League- so far...
Buffon is set to retire in the summer. Image: PA Images.
Iker Casillas:
Few goalkeepers are as good as Casillas was when they make their debut aged 18 for one of the biggest sides in the world. A key factor for Real Madrid for six La Ligas and three Champions League titles. Also captained Spain to two Euros and a World Cup.
Few goalkeepers have had as much impact as Casillas. Image: PA Images.
Petr Cech:
For all the big money signings Chelsea have made during Roman Abramovich's ownership Petr Cech's £7 million move might be the best money spent. Four Premier League titles and a Champions League win amongst his many trophies.
Cech has moved to Arsenal since Chelsea, winning the FA Cup with the Gunners. Image: PA Images.
Julio Cesar:
If I were to guess Cesar might get the least votes which will just confirm how underrated he is. The Brazilian won five Serie A titles with Inter and was an integral part of Jose Mourinho's treble winners at the San Siro. Three Portuguese league titles and 87 Brazil caps also to his name.
Cesar makes a save in the Champions League. Image: PA Images.
Oliver Kahn:
The man known as the The Titan and the Volcano. Kahn had a wonderfully aggressive manner as Bayern Munich and Germany number one. He helped Germany to the 2002 World Cup final and won six Bundesliga titles and the Champions League with his club in the 21st century.
Kahn was a brilliant keeper. Image: PA Images.
Manuel Neuer:
You could make an argument that right now Neuer isn't the best goalkeeper in the world but he completely changed the game with his perfecting of the 'sweeper keeper.' Has won World Cup gold with Germany and should have won the Ballon d'Or. Five Bundesligas and a Champions League already to his name.
Neuer is one of the modern greats. Image: PA Images.
Edwin van der Sar:
Peter Schmeichel left Manchester United in 1999 and it wasn't until Van der Sar joined in 2005 that they properly replaced him. Brilliant for Fulham but another level for United winning four Premier League titles in six seasons, plus a Champions League final penalty shoot-out hero.
Van der Sar saves from Anelka's penalty. Image: PA Images.
Victor Valdes:
12 years Barcelona goalkeeper in their most dominant period and a serial winner getting his hands on six La Ligas and three Champions League trophies. Five time La Liga goalkeeper of the year in an era when Iker Casillas was his opposition, also would have played a more prominent role in Spain's dominance if not for the other Spaniard.
Valdes- number one. Image: PA Images.
Which one gets your vote?
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Goalkeepers, Buffon