Buffon Still World's Best - Pagliuca

26/06/2008 15:40
Buffon Still World's Best - Pagliuca

Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca insists that Gian Luigi Buffon is still the greatest shot stopper in the world followed by Real Madrid's Iker Casillas and Chelsea's Petr Cech.

Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca insists that Gian Luigi Buffon is still the greatest shot stopper in the world followed by Real Madrid's Iker Casillas and Chelsea's Petr Cech.

Buffon has been outstanding for club and country this season. He produced several saves at Euro 2008, all of which are contenders for save of the tournament.

His brilliance in front of goal ensured a dire Italy side could progress to the quarter final stage of the competition only to be knocked out on penalties against Spain.

Pagliuca insists that Buffon is the best custodian on the planet followed by Iker Casillas and the Petr Cech.

“Buffon is still number one,” Pagliuca told Rai Sport.

“Then there is Casillas who is a little younger but he has just had a superb season.

“As for Cech, he has not been the same ever since his head injury and his form has dipped.”

Juventus broke the bank for Buffon in 2001 when they signed him from Parma for a record-breaking £32m.

They used part of the £50m from the sale of Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid in order to finance Buffon’s transfer.

The goalkeeper will be hoping he continues to impress between the sticks as Juve prepare to assault the Champions League next season.

Salvatore Landolina