I remember reading about the greatest goalkeeper this SBOTOP writer has ever seen – Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel – that a top, top number one can earn his team anything from 10 to 15 points a season.
It was certainly true about the ‘Great Dane’ during eight glorious years at Old Trafford and the Premier League certainly witnessed a fair share of its own heroes between the sticks last term.
Those responsible for Premier League 2021 highlights – and impressive feats in other competitions – certainly proved their worth in a big way.
For me, three stood out by a country mile and these five were the best goalkeepers in the top flight.
Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)
Like father, like son. The Leicester City goalkeeper keeper has long lived up to the family name and displayed his own pedigree.
A commanding force in the penalty area, his form has been integral to the Foxes’ emergence as the most credible threat to the traditional big-hitters.
A leader on and off the pitch, as shown for club and country over recent years, it’s his heroics in the FA Cup Final which resonate. His save to touch Ben Chilwell’s header onto the post was special; the stop to parry Mason Mount’s late thunderbolt was something else.
He will forever be remembered as one of the club’s all-time greats.
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Arsenal had a straight choice last summer between Martinez and Bernd Leno. I think they got it wrong.
Don’t get me wrong though. Leno has a good track record but Martinez was so impressive as a stand-in towards the end of 2019/20, that it was madness to sell him, especially after he played a big part as the Gunners won the FA Cup and Community Shield.
Once he moved to Villa, Martinez continued to flourish between the sticks, equalling the club’s clean sheet record with only Ederson (Manchester City) and Mendy recording more shutouts.
Clean sheets have become a normality for Villa, who know they can rely on Martinez, allowing Dean Smith’s men to compete in the top half of the Premier League.
Under Smith, Martinez was not only an ever-present in the 2020-21 campaign but he recorded a staggering 15 clean sheets, while he also saved one penalty. Martinez had to wait for his time to shine in the Premier League, but he now looks like a fantastic goalkeeper and has proved to be a terrific addition to an exciting Aston Villa squad.
Eduoard Mendy (Chelsea)
The Chelsea new boy came into the team in October and the west Londoners barely looked back.
Even before Thomas Tuchel was appointed boss, Mendy’s impact was clear and the Senegal stopper helped restore confidence to a backline that was ebbing away with Kepa Arrizabalaga as the last line of defence.
Clean sheets at Old Trafford and Anfield outlined his mettle, his unspectacular nature just what the club ordered as he showed he is far more than the above-average, reliable goalkeeper he was billed in some quarters.
Turns out £22 million does get you a lot more than mere shot-stopping prowess and ability on the ball!
Nick Pope (Burnley)
Either side of a shoulder injury, Pope has proven to be one of the Premier League’s finest over the past two years and has an excellent save percentage.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believed he should have been England’s number one for the European Championships and, if not for injury, he would have been. Certainly, he seems to be ahead of Dean Henderson and Sam Johnstone in the pecking order.
There’s no doubting his ability. Pope started all three World Cup qualifiers for England in March but was then ruled out of Euro 2020 after picking up a knee injury with the 29-year-old undergoing surgery to address a cartilage issue.
Sam Johnstone (West Brom)
Another goalkeeper who came through the ranks at Manchester United, even the brilliance of Johnstone couldn’t help West Brom defy the Premier League 2021 betting odds.
But while no keeper conceded more goals than Johnstone, nor did anyone else make more saves.
West Brom will be playing in the Championship next season but Johnstone, linked with both Arsenal and West Ham, will surely not.
Among his stand-out displays came defiant showings in December when he helped the Baggies to draws at Manchester City and Liverpool – against the former he was truly world class.
Yes, benefitting from being behind one of the league’s worst defences Johnstone had countless opportunities to strut his stuff, but boy did he rise to the challenge.
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