Welcome to #CopaRank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the Copa America Centenario. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from around the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day, U.S. vs. Colombia, on Friday.
NOTE: Navas withdrew from the Costa Rica squad on May 31 due to a persistent achilles injury. He's been retained in the #CopaRank Top 25 to reflect the voting.
Why is Keylor Navas in the top 25?
In the aftermath of Iker Casillas's strange exit from Real Madrid and the farce of David De Gea's near-move from Manchester United, Keylor Navas's subsequent arrival and consolidation of the goalkeeper position has been a godsend for the Spanish giants. The Costa Rican is a superb shot-stopper -- the flashiest of goalkeeping skills, but not necessarily the most important -- though he brings plenty of other attributes to the table. You don't get by at Real Madrid as a keeper if your distribution is poor or if your concentration wavers. Navas's rise into the ranks of the global goalkeeping elite is built on a well-rounded game.
What the experts say about Navas:
"The reality is that right now Real Madrid's best player is their goalkeeper. Keylor Navas is playing at an incredible level." - Former Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli.
"He works very hard every day and always wants to get better. Balance and acceleration is very important. He is not just a defender of his goal; he understands and reads the game much better now. He has improved a lot in that sense and his 'invisible' training and preventative work is good, too." - Real Madrid goalkeepers coach Luis Llopis.
Career highlight:
Navas was stellar this year, his first as the main man between the sticks for Real Madrid. His work in the Champions League is a large reason for the club's 11th European title; in 11 Champions League starts, Navas conceded just three goals.
Stat of the season:
Navas's 0.82 goals-per-game average for Real Madrid this season was the best in 20 years for the club.
What next for Navas after the Copa America Centenario?
After such an excellent season, it would be something of surprise to see Navas leave the Bernabeu. Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has reportedly taken a shine to Navas, though rumors persist of the club making another run at De Gea. Navas also wants a new contract, which could play a role in what happens after the Copa.
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