Five Goalkeepers To Watch

The first edition of a series that will preview the upcoming European Championship features a look at the best goalkeepers Europe has to offer.  

Five Goalkeepers To Watch

5.  Petr Cech - Czech Republic - Chelsea FC

Half man and half machine, Chelsea's undisputed No.1 is one of the world's best stop-stoppers.  Cech has risen to the forefront of stardom after countless seasons of stellar football.  The Cech Republic international has been capped 88 times, and helped the starting role through two World Cups.  All eyes will be on Cech as his nation aims to put together a historic run to the final.

4. Hugo Lloris - France - Lyon

Hugo Lloris has developed into an well-rounded goalkeeper during his time with Lyon, and should be France's No.1 until a worthy combatant comes along.  Lloris, who was not a part of the 2008 side that crashed out in the group stages, will be the difference maker for Les Bleus.  Furthermore, it's very likely he'll be on the move during the summer if he performances up to his usually standard on the international stage.

3. Joe Hart - England - Manchester City

Hart, who has been capped 16 times, has never lost a match as an England international. The fiery Manchester City goalkeeper is still in the infancy of his international career, but has already drawn praise for his abilities as a vocal organizer and agile shot-stopper. The tournament will be a big test for Hart but, based on his domestic success, the Three Lions could make a deeper run into the knockout stage.

2. Manuel Neuer - Germany - Bayern Munich

Neuer cemented himself as the No.1 goalkeeper for Germany during qualification, as he started all 10 matches and helped Die Mannschaft advanced by winning their group. Neuer is on the fact track to becoming the best keeper in German history, having recently broken Bayern Munich's record of playing 1000 minutes without conceding a goal.  Neuer is the complete package between sticks as his imposing size is matched by superior agility and the uncanny ability to play the ball out of the defensive third. Chances are this tournament will go down as the begin of the German's rise to becoming the world's best goalkeeper.  

1. Iker Casillas - Spain - Real Madrid

It goes without saying that Casillas is currently the most dominant and consistent goalkeeper across the globe.  After leading Spain to a victory at the 2011 World Cup Final, the Portuguese star helped Real Madrid claim their 32nd La Liga title.  Casillas possess all the traits manager desire in their No.1, which is why he's been capped 127 times and held his nation's first-choice role for the last eight years.  Although Neuer is poised to take over the throne as the world's best, Casillas' reign looks set to continue at Euro 2012.