Gigi Buffon is 45 years old and looking forward to his first Serie B promotion play-off at Parma, while noting Milan‘s Mike Maignan and Andre Onana of Inter are ‘two of the five best goalkeepers in the world.’
The shot-stopper is refusing to hang up his gloves and has helped Parma to qualify for the play-offs to earn a place in Serie A for next season.
“I never experienced the play-offs, so the fact that I am facing this as an entirely new thing at the age of 45 makes me smile and gives me more motivation,” Buffon told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
He is still considered by many to be the greatest goalkeeper of all time, especially after winning the 2006 World Cup with Italy, so who does Buffon see as the current top stars in that role?
“Maignan proved clearly last season what he was capable of, so it is not remotely surprising this term to see him make such remarkable saves with Milan.
“As for Onana, he made it obvious from the start that his shoulders are broad enough to handle the Inter jersey. Fighting for position with Samir Handanovic is also a tough slog. I think right now both Maignan and Onana are among the five best goalkeepers in the world.”
Buffon’s old club Juventus are still struggling in Serie A with the 15-point penalty imposed and then revoked, with a further nine-point deduction expected next week.
“In such a difficult season, Max Allegri did so well to maintain control of the team. In a situation like that, not many would’ve done the same. Allegri gives his best when he feels it is incredibly complicated.”
Maignan = best Gk in the world then oblak then courtois – then theirs a drop in quality imo