Cillessen draws inspiration from idol Van der Sar

Jasper Cillessen knew he wanted to be a goalkeeper from an early age, and immediately looked to the best in the sport for inspiration. The Dutchman did not have to look very far afield, as the Netherlands had one of the top shot stoppers in world football in their ranks.

Edwin Van der Sar, currently executive director at Ajax, had a storied career at some of Europe's biggest clubs. He came to prominence at the Dutch side, before spells at Juventus, Fulham and Manchester United, eventually retiring after a single appearance with lower league V.V. Noordwijk in his homeland.

It was at Ajax that Cillessen got to know his idol, admitting that it was strange to have somebody whom he had looked up to as a child giving him advice.

There is a mutual admiration between the two, and the Valencia CF player -who called Van der Sar "The best goalkeeper in the world for several years"- has already established himself as one of the Netherlands' most talented custodians. He is the goalie with the fifth most appearances for the country, with Van der Ser having turned out 130 times for the 'Oranje.'