The rise of goalkeepers in the Liga Adelante

The Liga Adelante 2014/15 has stood out, among other things, for the explosion of various young goalkeepers who have had a great season. Some of them like Isaac Becerra, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Razak Brimah and Yassine Bounou have been vital for their respective teams and none of them is yet 29-years-old.

Without doubt, one of the goalkeepers to most shine has been Isaac Becerra. The Girona FC goalkeeper has ended his best ever season as a professional at 27 and has been vital for the Catalan side in his third season with the team. So much so that he became the only goalkeeper in the whole division to play every minute of the 42 games of the Liga Adelante, keeping a clean sheet on 21 ocassions. A return that saw him selected for the 2014/15 Liga Adelante Ideal XI chosen by the writers at LaLiga.es.

Another that has gone far with his side has been R. Zaragoza goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The Canadian arrived this season in the Aragon city after learning his trade at Atlético de Madrid B in recent seasons and continued his development. At just 24 and in contrast to Becerra, this season he has won his place in the Zaragoza side little by little before becoming an unquestioned starter. His progress and good aerial play were key in allowing Ranko Popović’s men to reach the Playoff final.

Yassine Bounou, Razak Brimah and Kepa Arrizabalaga have made their debut this season with their respective teams

Razak Brimah is experiencing one of the best times of his life after recently turning 28. After a number of seasons with other sides in the division, like Real Betis and CD Tenerife, where he barely played. the Ghanaian goalkeeper made his debut this season with CD Mirandés and didn’t take long to win over the fans. In his 29 games from the start, the ‘keeper stood out for his spectacular saves and reflexes, which allowed Carlos Terrazas’ side to fight for a Playoff spot until the end.

SD Ponferradina relied on youth in goal this season and Kepa Arrizabalaga is the proof of that. The 20-year-old goalkeeper, loaned from Athletic Club, made his debut in his first season in the Liga Adelante and hasn’t let the pressure get to him. With 20 matches played and 19 goals conceded he has shown his great agility between the posts and thanks to his youthfulness has a great future ahead. Moreover, Dinu Moldovan deserves a special mention. The 25-year-old Romanian has also been called upon by Manolo Díaz, playing 19 times.