Goalkeepers. They’re a funny old bunch. But arguably the most important player on a team. Keepers tend to peak just after 30 and can carry on playing after 35, so if you can pick one up early on career mode, you’ve got yourself a number one for over a decade. RealSport picks out the Top 8 FIFA 17 goalkeepers aged 23 or under.
Mattia Perin (OVR 83 – POT 88)
Not exactly a familiar name, but Mattia Perin is highly regarded in his native Italy. The 23-year-old already has over 100 Serie A appearances to his name and was rewarded back in 2014 with his first and only appearance for the Italian national team. An injury back in April ruled him out of Euro 2016, and with the rise of AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, he will need to work hard to add more international caps. On FIFA 17 the Genoa goalkeeper has 90-rated reflexes, 85 handling and 80 diving, meaning he has the ability to play for any top flight side in career mode. To sign him, you will need to bid upwards of £25 million and offer £32,000 wages.
Jack Butland (OVR 82 – POT 89)
Jack Butland burst onto the scene after an impressive tournament for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics. Earlier that year when he was on loan at Cheltenham Town from Birmingham City, 52 scouts watched him at one match, and just over a year later he moved to Premier League side Stoke. After becoming a first team regular last season, he fractured his ankle while on international duty with England back in March and hasn’t played since. He can offer you 85 reflexes, 83 handling and 81 diving, with his 89 potential making him the fourth most promising keeper on FIFA 17. You will need a bid nearing £30 million to sign the 23-year-old Butland, but his kind wages of £29,000 make him worth the big transfer fee.
Timo Horn (OVR 82 – POT 88)
Germany just keep delivering goalkeepers. Oliver Kahn’s bar was raised by Manuel Neuer, and the World Cup Champions have Bernd Leno, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Timo Horn coming through. Cologne man Timo Horn was in between the sticks during Germany’s run to the gold medal match at the Rio Olympics, and after two successful seasons in the Bundesliga, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a number of clubs were sniffing around the 23-year-old next summer. All of his goalkeeping stats are above 80 on FIFA 17, and with 83 kicking, he covers all the bases. If you bid around £23 million, you should get your man, with his wages costing £29,000 a week.
Loris Karius (OVR 82 – POT 87)
Another German goalkeeper and Liverpool fans were made to wait before seeing new man Loris Karius in action after breaking a bone in his hand during pre-season. But after within a couple of weeks of his return, he displaced Simon Mignolet as first choice goalkeeper and can begin understanding the defence in front of him. Having only just joined the Reds, he will cost you over £25 million, and his wages of £58,000 make him quite costly for his age. But if you take the plunge you will be rewarded with 85 reflexes, 84 diving and 83 reactions.
Alphonse Areola (OVR 81 – POT 89)
Kevin Trapp surpassed Salvatore Sirigu at Paris-Saint Germain, and it now looks like Alphonse Areola will leapfrog the German. 21-year-old Areola enjoyed a successful loan spell at Villarreal last season, and after three years away from the club, he looks ready to take the number one spot. He offers 85 reflexes, 84 diving and 80 strength on FIFA 17, and you may only need a bid of around £22 million to purchase him, as well as £43,000 wages.
Alisson (OVR 80 – POT 86)
Brazil have struggled with quality goalkeepers since Julio Cesar began to decline, but in new Roma man Alisson they could have a reliable man in the goal. However many thought he would go straight into the Roma side, but he has been limited to Europa League performances behind Wojciech Szczesny. With 86 reflexes, 81 reactions and 78 strength there are clearly worse goalkeepers on FIFA 17, and despite only just moving to the Italian capital you should be able to sign the 23-year-old for around £20 million. His £43,000 wages, however, do make him a slight risk.
Sergio Rico (OVR 80 – POT 85)
After lifting two successive Europa League trophies with Beto in goal, Sevilla fans couldn’t believe it when he was demoted to third choice last season. But the rise of Sergio Rico made it a smooth transition, with the Spanish side winning the tournament for the third season in a row last year. The 23-yer-old Rico is a keeper who performs across the board with 82 reflexes, 80 diving, 80 handling and 80 positioning, and with a transfer fee of less than £20 million is one of the more tempting options on this list. There are no issues with his wages which come in at £36,000.