Goalkeeping is arguably football’s most unforgiving job. Mistakes in the position are more obvious than any others; one mistimed movement, or just plain bad luck, can define a keeper’s career.

Eduardo Galeano summed up the brutally unflinching nature of goalkeeping in Soccer in Sun and Shadow. “He wears the No.1 on his back. The first to be paid? No, the first to pay. It’s always the keeper’s fault.”

Gianluigi Buffon has been immovable for 20 seasons between the posts. At 38 years old he remains Juventus and Italy’s No.1, but has recently confirmed his intention to retire in 2018.

Someone will be handed the unenviable task of replacing him. Fortunately, there are several talented young goalkeepers on the peninsula vying to do so...

Take a gander at the interactive image below to investigate...

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