Conventional wisdom decrees that to be a goalkeeper you need to be brave, agile, have quick reactions, good handling and above all, be slightly mad!
Why would anyone want to be the man between the sticks, watching on in admiration as the magician up front scores the goal to lift the stadium roof off, before taking the blame when an opposing striker manages to beat you with his unstoppable shot. There is no sadder sight than watching your own keeper stoop, engulfed in gloom, to pick the ball out of the net.
But the goal-keeper can also be the hero, the penalty saver; the last minute miracle blocker…he’s the last line of defence.
It’s a tough job and can be a lonely one when it isn’t going well. Everton’s Jordan Pickford has conceded the most goals (46) of any keeper in the Premier League this season, dropping some high profile clangers along the way. And another keeper who’s been in the Premier League 2020 news for the wrong reasons is Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Blues are looking for a new goalie only two seasons after shelling out a record fee to bring Kepa to Stamford Bridge from Athletic Bilbao.
Chelsea head coach is an admirer of Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and he could tempt the Rossoneri stopper to join a legion of fine keepers in England’s top flight. Let’s take a look at five of them who have been in superb form this season.
Nick Pope: Burnley; 11 clean sheets
When he arrived at Turf Moor in 2016 Nick Pope knew he had to bide his time as understudy to Burnley captain and legend Tom Heaton. But an injury to Heaton early in the 2017/18 season gave the 6ft 3in former Charlton keeper his chance and he took it, improving throughout the campaign as the Clarets reached the Europa League.
Burnley’s keeper has collected more clean sheets than anyone this season, as well making the most high claims at 37, with Norwich City’s Tim Krul at 26. Pope has also made the most sweeper clearances with 16, and while Pickford’s distribution is more impressive, the Burnley man’s all round game and command of his area gives him a chance of holding on to the England Number One shirt.
Alisson: Liverpool, 10 clean sheets
As the Premier League actively explores ways to get the 2019/20 season back underway, Liverpool will surely go on to win a first title in 30 years and many fans will point to Jurgen Klopp’s capture of Alisson as a turning point. The Reds have been dogged by goal-keeper problems for years, but from the moment the Brazilian arrived at Anfield in 2018 those issues disappeared without trace. With the excellent Virgil Van Dijk in front of him, Alisson exudes confidence and is equally comfortable playing with his feet as his hands. He’s a powerful presence between the posts and Reds fans will hope he stays for years to come.
Our Premier League SBOBET tips will be back in due course, the Bundesliga looks likely to be the first league to restart, and when the Premier League returns we’ll be tipping Liverpool to grab the two wins they need with seven games to spare, and probably with two more clean sheets.
Kasper Schmeichel: Leicester City, 10 clean sheets
Leicester’s Number One took his place in the Foxes’ history as the goal-keeper with the safe hands to lead the Midlands’ side to the most amazing Premier League title in the competition’s history.
He won the title at 29 years of age, the very same age his father, Peter, was when he won his first title with Manchester United in 1993.
Alongside striker Jamie Vardy, Schmeichel remains one of the two 2016 champions who are still mainstays in the current Brendan Rodgers side. As well as keeping for his national team, Denmark, he has now played 330 games for Leicester and with nine to go this season; a Champions League place looks on the cards again.
Dean Henderson: Sheffield United, 10 clean sheets
Pretty much everyone’s pre-season Premier League 2020 predictions had newly promoted Sheffield United nailed on for relegation. But while Norwich City and Aston Villa look likely to make a swift return to the Championship the Blades are already safe; and keeper Dean Henderson is a favourite to be their player of the season. Boss Chris Wilder criticised him when he made a gaffe to concede a goal against Liverpool, but if he makes a likely return to his parent club Manchester United in the summer, then Sheffield United will be relegation tips again next season.
Still only 23, he’s made a series of stunning performances and looks destined for a career at the very top, including a place in England’s Euro 2021 squad.
Martin Dubravka: Newcastle United, nine clean sheets
In his third season at St James’ Park, Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has been a colossus as the Magpies last line of defence and has made more saves than any other keeper in the Premier League, keeping out 117 shots on target.
At a fee of around 4m Euros he’s been a snip, keeping a total of 24 clean sheets in 79 appearances, and he’s no slouch with his feet either, often playing in an outfield position in training. The Geordies have kept themselves clear of the relegation mire for much the season, and with Dubravka in goal they are almost certain to secure another year at the top table.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
