Unless we find ourselves in a penalty shootout and either keeper takes one, these two won't stymie strikes from one another. But their impact at either end could be the most decisive battle of all. Both had player of the match-worthy performances in the first round. Gotham upset the record-setting, first-place Shield winners, Kansas City, thanks to a massive seven-save performance from NWSL's 2024 Goalkeeper of the Year, Berger.
News of Tullis-Joyce's absence was passed on to United's players on matchday, with Middleton-Patel thrust into one of the club's biggest games this season at short notice. In front of 14,667 at Old Trafford - their biggest crowd this season - she was tasked with keeping out a PSG side who had reached four of the past five semi-finals in the competition.
Yeah, absolutely. That's the manager's call. I just go there and be the best that I can be and see what happens. I can just be myself, do what I normally do, train as well as I possibly can. It's an unfortunate situation that we're in at the moment where there's not many goalkeepers playing first-team football.
Goalkeepers (3) Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, Nick Pope Pickford is as nailed down a number one as it is possible to be and is set for his third World Cup between the posts barring any calamity. Henderson is regularly excellent in goal for Palace who continue to impress, and James Trafford's relegation to the Manchester City bench opens up a spot. Nick Pope is a reliable third-choice option uunless Tuchel thinks taking Trafford will be a beneficial experience for tournaments to come.
The Blues' hierarchy believe they already possess sufficient depth and quality in both positions. The decision shows a growing confidence in their current goalkeeping trio of Robert Sanchez, Filip Jrgensen, and Mike Penders. Despite frequent speculation linking Chelsea with new goalkeepers in recent windows, the club have no plans to make changes between the posts. Chelsea have complete faith in their goalkeepers
Manuel Neuer might not be playing for the German national team anymore, but that certainly does not take anything away from his pedigree amongst the world's greatest goalkeepers. There were rumors circulating that the Bayern Munich captain could potentially make a return to Die Mannschaft ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, but the keeper himself has quelled all of that speculation by saying that definitely won't happen.
Nearly 30 years have passed since a German footballer last won the Ballon d'Or, the sport's most prestigious individual prize. In 1996, Matthias Sammer was awarded the trophy on the heels of a European Championship victory for his country and just several months before he would go on to win the Champions League title with his club, Borussia Dortmund. Even before Sammer, German footballers had seen considerable Ballon d'Or success, particularly in the 1970s and early 80s.
Goalkeeper is a unique role in football that requires a specific blend of attributes, not always easy to find. They must be brave, athletic, acrobatic, strong, single-minded, unflappable and, following the Pepification of the game over the last decade, incredibly technical on the ball, too. Glovemen with the right mix, therefore, are becoming increasingly expensive, but as this list will prove, a big fee doesn't always lead to success.
"If I'd felt pressure, I would have brought him in," De la Fuente said. "We monitor all the goalkeepers, and Joan could be here now, before, or in the future. And not because he's at Barca. I want to tell you that players from clubs don't come here; this is the national team, regardless of the club they come from. "Let's not make assumptions about whether six or seven come from one club... Let's give this importance. Joan's time will come, for sure."
Milan can confirm that Marco Sportiello has made a permanent transfer to Atalanta BC. The Club would like to thank Marco for his constant commitment and professionalism.
The news was difficult to take as team-mates because we all love Mary, we all want her to be here. But as a friend, we all accept her decision and celebrate her and everything she's done for this team.
"Personally, I haven't received any signals that there will be any changes [to the loan agreement]. We're looking forward to Alex Nübel playing for us again next season."
