Top 5 Saves from World Football in October
An action-packed October saw games to remember in league competition, European games and in the international arena. But it was not just brilliant goals and memorable matches that deserve recognition from the past 31 days.
That special breed known as goalkeepers also played their part, with a host of fantastic saves lighting up games across the world.
With just five spaces to fill a lot of great stops could not be included in this round-up of the best moments between the posts. Write in with your favourite tip, parry or block from October in the comment space below.
5. Beto vs. Villarreal
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Portuguese stopper Beto is not an orthodox keeper. As he showed during Sevilla's gripping penalty-shootout win over Benfica to lift the Europa League back in May, the shot-stopper is willing to throw any part of his body in front of the ball in order to keep the Andalusians on top.
Those skills were evident against Villarreal as Beto came to the light with a fantastic double save. Not only did Sevilla's No. 1 get down well to keep out a free-kick, but he showed incredible reflexes to stop the resulting rebound and send the Nervionenses on the way to a valuable 2-1 victory.
4. Iker Casillas vs. Macedonia
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"Brilliant save by Iker Casillas for Spain tonight: [via @DiarioBernabeu]. #rmcf - https://t.co/fpZnGQckQb
— MadridLens (@MadridLens) septiembre 8, 2014"
It has become somewhat fashionable to cast doubt on Real Madrid's Iker Casillas in the last couple of seasons. But with a little faith, the Merengue and Spain goalkeeper can demonstrate that he is still more than deserving of a key role in those prestigious squads.
This stunning one-handed save kept Macedonia out in a Euro 2016 qualifier, helping the Furia Roja to a victory that put their campaign back on track following a poor start.
3. Christian Abbiati vs. Verona
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"37 year old Luca Toni with an acrobatic shot. 37 year old Christian Abbiati makes a stunning save. https://t.co/cwgPNBY1hN
— Gianfranco Vela. (@GoallineDrama) octubre 20, 2014"
Good goalkeepers are like fine wine, they just get better with age. Having watched Iker Casillas defy his biological clock on international duty, Milan's Christian Abbiati showed his own acrobatics to keep out Luca Toni and keep the Rossoneri safe.
2. David De Gea vs. Manchester City
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"De Gea's save from Aguero's effort on goal. https://t.co/jbs7B31Pgx
— MCFCFansCorner (@MCFCFansCorner) noviembre 2, 2014"
A good goalkeeper does not only need ability. Bravery, that attribute often interpreted as madness in throwing oneself in the face of danger, is also crucial for any aspiring shot-stopper.
Luckily for misfiring Manchester United, David De Gea has bravery to spare. The Spaniard performed this wonderful stop to deny Sergio Aguero in the Manchester Derby, taking a boot in the stomach for his troubles.
1. Manuel Neuer vs. Roma
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"Watch Manuel Neuer make a contender for save of the season in Bayern's thrashing of Roma - http://t.co/oiTQqMMV2p
— Samsung Sport (@samsungsport) octubre 22, 2014"
Bayern Munich's 7-1 destruction of Roma in the Champions League sent a shudder throughout the football world. Not only did Pep Guardiola's men show an attacking verve and fluency that would be a match for any team in the world, but they are no slouches at the back either.
Germany's No. 1 Manuel Neuer performed the best save of October with this terrific effort to frustrate Gervinho, showing outrageous reflexes and awareness to deny the former Arsenal striker.
