We are now just eight months away from the biggest sporting event in the world. That’s right, the 2018 World Cup is edging closer slowly but surely! In the run-up to the final tournament, we will be offering acca tips, predictions and previews in every detail in preparation.

As more teams earn confirmations to be a part of the tournament next year, we have subjected in taking a closer look at potential Golden Glove betting options for Russia 2018.

From 1994 onwards, the award which we now know as the ‘Golden Glove’ was introduced as the ‘Yashin Award’ – named after the late Soviet goalkeeping legend Lev Yashin. Since its inception, six goalkeepers have earned the accomplishment. Michel Preud’homme, Fabien Barthez, Oliver Kahn and Gianluigi Buffon won the ‘Yashin Award’ before Iker Casillas won the inaugural ‘Golden Glove’ award as Spain went on to win the 2010 tournament.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil was won fantastically by Germany, achieving their first success since 1990. One key figure standing out in their side was Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who went on to win his first World Cup Golden Glove award.

We couldn’t be more excited in the anticipation for another climatic tournament on the world’s biggest stage. The best goalkeepers in the world will be on display and we will no doubt see some incredible performances from the elite group of goalkeepers the world has to offer. We have carefully checked out with bookmakers who will most likely be competing for the coveted Golden Glove award in Russia:

David De Gea

Following in the footsteps of Spanish legend Iker Casillas, David De Gea has now become Spain’s definitive number one. Now aged 26, he has rather unbelievably appeared for Manchester United in over 200 Premier League games. Considered one of the best in the world right now, De Gea has proven to be a particularly superb shot-stopper.

The Spaniard was selected in the squad for Brazil 2014 but was never chosen due to the consistency of Iker Casillas between the sticks. He did start in Euro 2016, however he was sent packing by Italy in the last 16. Despite that, Spain look strong as ever and having David De Gea in goal should be a confidence booster, defensively. With his qualities, he is part of our elite selection.

Gianluigi Buffon

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What can we already say about this Italian? At 39-years-old, Buffon is considered a legend in the eyes of almost every football fan. Fortunately, he’s not done yet. Still performing marvellously at Juventus, Buffon continues to prove that he is world-class at such a mature age. Standing just a couple of league games shy of 500 for the Italian champions shows his desire to keep on playing at the top level.

Italy head coach Gian Piero Ventura still believes he is the best Italian goalkeeper available with competition from young Gianluigi Donnarumma amping up the pressure. Currently the record holder for most Italian caps, Buffon has played an incredible 172 games for his country. Since his international debut back in 1997, Buffon has already earned one Yashin Award in 2006, alongside winning the ultimate prize – the World Cup trophy itself. Could the experienced master pull it off one last time?

Manuel Neuer

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Winning both the World Cup and the Golden Glove back in 2014, Manuel Neuer is currently considered as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Praised as a unique sweeper keeper, Neuer won the award four years back with exceptional performances and world-class saves.

Since making his Germany debut in 2009, Neuer has appeared over 70 times for his country. He has also been considered as Bayern Munich’s undisputed number one for over six years, making just under 200 Bundesliga appearances. Neuer currently holds the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper Award, which he has now won on four consecutive occasions. Neuer is almost certain to make his mark in the World Cup once again – could he earn back-to-back Golden Glove awards?

Hugo Lloris

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Since joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Hugo Lloris has been considered as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Lloris has made 92 appearances for France since 2008, making appearances in both of the previous two World Cup tournaments as well as Euro 2012 and 2016; captaining his country from Euro 2012 onwards.

The Frenchman has become a peripheral figure for his side, offering ample experience in a young, talented squad. On paper, France have so much potential and having a keeper like Lloris should only offer more confidence. Lloris is an accomplished shot stopper who can make a world of difference against some of the world’s best strikers. As such, he’s a great contender for the Golden Glove award.

Thibaut Courtois

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Standing at a goliath 6’6, Thibaut Courtois is seen as one of the best goalkeepers around at the moment. Proven in the Premier League with Chelsea as well as La Liga with Atletico Madrid, the Belgium international has already made 51 appearances for his country at just the tender age of 25. Courtois started all of Belgium’s games in 2014 at the World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals at just 21.

Euro 2016 followed, and that was another big step for Courtois as he reached the quarter-finals, knocked out by underdogs Wales. It’s becoming increasingly evident how much Courtois has improved as a first-class goalkeeper since Antonio Conte arrived at Chelsea. With great proficiency in stopping long-range efforts, quick reflexes and the use of his lofty height to his advantage, Courtois is absolutely a strong contender to take the Golden Glove award in Russia 2018.

Alisson

Known simply as Alisson, Brazil’s current first choice keeper’s full name is actually Alisson Becker. Currently playing for Roma, the 25-year-old has made 19 appearances for his country and is seen as Brazil’s number one choice goalkeeper under Tite. The former Internazionale youth product has played a critically strong role in their 2018 qualification campaign and could hold onto a starting berth ahead of Ederson Moraes.

With Brazil expected to go far in Russia, expect Alisson to show off his qualities against some of the toughest opponents. Although not many people may know about him, Alisson will almost certainly be a leading Golden Glove contender for next year – especially with such a talented Brazilian side in front of him.

Danijel Subasic

Making nearly 200 Ligue 1 appearances for AS Monaco, Subasic has been a key player for Croatia in their latest qualifying campaign. The 32-year-old is seen as underrated by plenty after only really establishing himself in recent years. From 2014 onwards, Subasic has been Croatia’s first-choice ‘keeper following the retirement of veteran Stipe Pletikosa.

With just 30 caps to his name so far, Subasic will be extremely keen to prove that he is one of the world’s best goalkeepers on the grandest stage of them. Subasic was disregarded as one of Monaco’s key players last term despite plenty of strong displays, so many could be surprised when they realise how strong he actually is in Russia. Danijel Subasic is well worth considering for the Golden Glove award next year if Croatia make the final cut.