Costa Rica’s Top Player

Navas a 'keeper'

· Jul 18 - 4 minutes read

Champions League Winner with Real Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas pitched a clean sheet for Costa Rica, helping the Central American nation reach its third consecutive FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 playoff win over New Zealand. Our sportsbook is offering a great range of betting markets and props for the World cup soccer 2022.

The departure of Iker Casillas meant Navas inherited his number 1 shirt for the 2015/16 La Liga season. Los Blancos agreed to transfer Navas to Manchester United in part-exchange for David de Gea. However, the deal ultimately collapsed because the documents did not get submitted to FIFA before the Spanish transfer deadline

He was the starting goalkeeper when Madrid won the 2016/17 La Liga and the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League. Navas became the first player from Costa Rica to reach 100 La Liga appearances, and his performances during the double trophy-winning season led him to a second Player of the Year at the 2017 CONCACAF Awards.

Producing some fine performances in the Champions League, Navas had a superb display against Bayern Munich in their semifinal, second-leg clash, helping Real Madrid qualify for the final. He made eight saves during the game, highest tally in a Champions League knockout game.

Three Seasons with Paris Saint-Germain

Navas joined Paris Saint-Germain on a four-year contract in early September of 2019, becoming the first Costa Rican to play for the French champions. During his first season with his new team, he was in another Champions League, having finished with five clean sheets during the campaign. Then, after three seasons with PSG, he became the second keeper when the French giants signed Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Ligue 1 reigning champs have already strengthened their squad, and they look eager to lift the Champions League trophy. If you’re betting online, you shouldn’t consider them for the UCL trophy.

Former Real Madrid star Keylor Navas is reportedly set to leave Paris Saint-Germain, three of the biggest clubs in the Old Continent looking to sign him. The Costa Rican goalkeeper was rumored to join multiple English Premier League teams in past seasons. The goalkeeper at Paris Saint-Germain has been vocal about the lack of playing time he had last season, he and Donnarumma sharing the minutes. Several reports in Portugal have confirmed that Benfica is keen on signing Navas during the summer. He will make a decision in the coming weeks because other clubs like Newcastle have also shown an interest.

Keylor Navas and Costa Rica’s World Cup expectations

Costa Rica completed a 32-nation World Cup roster, beating New Zealand, 1-0, in an intercontinental playoff. Leaning heavily on its core of veterans, Costa Rica defended a third-minute goal from Joel Campbell while relying on saves from goalkeeper/captain Navas.

The 2022 World Cup could be Navas’ last dance at the international level with Costa Rica. It will, of course, be difficult to replace one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Navas was a key player for Costa Rica when they reached the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup odds, They did advance further than any national team in CONCACAF. The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper made his international debut in 2008 and has made 107 appearances for Costa Rica since then.

Keylor Navas has played in two CONCACAF Gold Cups, and was voted the best goalkeeper of the 2009 tournament. He was also featured in two World Cups. Navas knows the importance of keeping clean sheets, but at the same time, he is aware that in soccer, whoever scores more goals will qualify in the knockout rounds.

Costa Rica drew into Group E, together with Spain, Germany, and Japan. They are fourth choices to win the group, priced at +3300 with the latest soccer odds. They’re a team to fade, that’s lacking attacking firepower and always having a defensive approach with Navas expected to make some great saves when needed. We don’t expect them to earn more than one point from this tough group.