Brave, commanding and instinctive in his youth, Gianluigi Buffon has adapted his game with age and used his intelligence to become better positioned and less reliant on instinct, while keeping up with the trends of the modern day goalkeeper.
While he’s no longer at his best – obviously – his longevity is just one of several incredible qualities that put him in the conversation of ‘best goalkeeper of all time’. The Italian has enjoyed a mammoth career that spans across three decades, has made over 1000 appearances as a professional and holds the record for the longest time without conceding a goal in Serie A. And that’s just a few accolades.
On top of this is his ridiculous trophy cabinet, which includes 10 (yes, ten) Serie A titles, a Ligue 1 title, five Coppa Italia and the 2006 World Cup, among countless others. Buffon has consistently been one of the strongest shot stoppers in the world for the longest stretch, and his work has inspired many of the greatest goalkeepers in the world today.
The 36-year-old Serbian has gone under the radar for most of his career, but has quietly been one of the most consistent keepers in world football – and at the top level, too.
Perhaps it’s because he doesn’t epitomise the ‘modern day’ goalkeeper with athletic prowess and the burning desire to get involved with the ball at his feet, but Handanovic is one of the game’s last traditional goalkeepers.
With a strong presence on the field, similar to his Italian counterpart, Handanovicc excels in organising his defence in front of him and providing leadership.
It’s another set of traits Buffon has boasted for his entire career, which Handanovic has subconsciously moulded his game around.
Though he’s become a polarising figure due to his noticeable drop-off in form, there’s no denying just how good David de Gea is when he’s at his best.
His freakish reflexes are awe-inspiring and have single handedly kept Manchester United’s head above water at times throughout the last decade.
There are a lot of parallels between De Gea’s style of play during his peak and Buffon’s in his early years. Buffon, too, was a largely instinctive keeper who relied on reflex, speed and reactions to pull off saves.
The pair are both in the bracket of ‘greatest goalkeepers ever’ but Manuel Neuer is perhaps appreciated more these days – and unfairly so.
While the imposing German is the one to popularise and get the best out of the sweeper keeper role, making it the necessity it is today, Buffon was using that while Neuer was still in the youth ranks.
Neuer’s bravery and command over his defence, combined with his ability to lead his side to glory and control play with his feet is all inspired by Buffon in his earlier years, who was much of the same.
The Bayern stopper has admittedly taken these traits to new heights, which Buffon has recognised on several occasions, but it wouldn’t have happened without the Italian paving the way.
Courtois hasn’t been shy in his praise for the veteran Italian and is determined to mould his career into a similar style.
Quoted by Goal in 2018, Courtois acknowledged Buffon’s training regime and has adapted his methods accordingly: “If I hope to continue goalkeeping until I am 36 or 37 then you have to think about how I train.
“For Buffon, I hear he trains less on the field and he is more focused on keeping his muscles strong”.
Courtois isn’t too dissimilar on the pitch, either. He possesses a commanding presence, fills his goal and is brave in coming off his line like a young Buffon once was.
It’s an easy comparison to make, considering both are Italian, named ‘Gianluigi’ and have had similar early career paths, but what young Italian goalkeeper isn’t inspired by Buffon?
The 21-year-old debuted with Milan at just 16, while Buffon debuted with Parma aged 17. Donnarumma has become a consistent figure and beacon of hope at I Rossoneri – despite their demise – and possesses strong reactions and an understanding of the game similar to Buffon’s.
He’s also a natural leader, a trait every Italian keeper would want having grown up watching Buffon between the sticks for club and country.
The young Italian doesn’t yet get the recognition he deserves, but is quietly still operating at a high level. Perhaps he needs a move away from Milan in order to fulfil his destiny, in a similar way that Buffon swapped Parma for Juventus in 2001.
