Thibaut Courtois, Manuel Neuer, and Iker Casillas to slug it out for the World’s best hands as FIFA announces World XI goalkeepers shortlist

Courtois was outstanding for Athletico Madrid last season while on loan at the club, helping the club to its first ever Champions League semi-final spot

Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois and Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer are among the five goalkeepers shortlisted for the 2014 FIFA World XI.

The shortlist, which also includes Iker Casillas, Claudio Bravo and Italian veteran Gianluigi Buffon, has been voted for thousands of professional players worldwide. 

Each player has chosen one goalkeeper, four defender, three midfielders and three forwards to make up a 55-man shortlist which is set to be revealed on November 26, 28 and December 1 respectively with the winner being announced at the Ballon d'Or awards on January 12.

Gianluigi Buffon is still a class act between the sticks for both country and club

Despite currently impressing in Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side, Courtois will have earned his nominations during a sensational season with Atletico Madrid which saw the big Belgian collect a La Liga title and reach the 2014 Champions League final under Diego Simeone.

Casillas is already a Real Madrid legend and he helped the club to its 10th Champions League title last season

The inclusion of Real Madrid legend Casillas has raised eye brows following the 33-year-old's poor displays during the 2014 World Cup with Spain while making just two La Liga appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side in the 2013-14 season.

Neuer is a strong candidate for the gong due to his consistent top level displays\

Bayern stopper Neuer makes the grade once again as the German looks to claims his second successive spot in the World XI while Buffon becomes the only keeper to appear on all 10 World XI shortlists.