With all the talks about strikers and midfielders, we often fail to see some of the real heroes of a team, which are its goalkeepers. The last line of defence seems to be highly underrated in modern times, with much of the praise directed towards the outfield players.
Before the start of another exciting season, Outside90’s Rahul Dantes gives a countdown look at the current crop of the EPL’s finest custodians.
10. Simon Mignolet
The Liverpool gloveman has often been criticised for his performances during his time at Anfield and maybe even rightfully so. His hesitance and unreliability on the ball poses to be one of his biggest flaws. But there is no doubt of his abilities when it comes down to making those crucial stops. Last season, the Belgian kept the most number of clean sheets in the league, along with Joe Hart (14), while also saving two penalties and making a total of 89 saves. The 27-year-old had a disastrous first campaign at Anfield but made a significant improvement in his second time around. There were strong rumours suggesting that the Belgian international would be leaving the Reds this summer, but it now seems like he will be Liverpool’s first choice for the upcoming season.
9. Jack Butland
The 22-year-old is yet to cement his spot as a first choice goalkeeper in his senior career and it look like this will be the season. The promising youngster has gathered heaps of praise and looks set to replace the recently departed Asmir Begovic in the Stoke City goal. He has made just 12 appearances for Stoke since he joined the club back in 2012. This campaign will provide a strong test to the Englishman’s character, with Mark Hughes stating that Butland will be his number one choice in goal. But he will be wary of the fact that veteran goalkeeper Shay Given will be waiting in the wings if there are any slip-ups.
8. Fraser Forster
Forster suffered a serious injury to his knee in the last campaign which looks set to keep him out of the Southampton side for a large portion of this season as well. But there is no doubting the 27-year-old’s abilities. A trustworthy and towering figure, Southampton will hugely miss his presence in goal. The former Celtic player will be eager to regain fitness as soon as possible, but will be careful not to rush back. Despite missing the last couple of months because of the injury, Forster still managed to keep 13 clean sheet, which is only one less than 14 kept by Golden Glove winner Joe Hart. He still remains amongst the league’s best.
7. Tim Howard
The American has made close to 400 appearances for the Toffees and at 36-years of age still manages to be not only Everton’s No.1 but also his national side’s first choice. With over 100 appearances for the USMNT, Howard is also one of the Premier league’s most experienced goalkeepers and can even boast of a rare feat of having a goal to his name. He missed quite a few games last season but has otherwise been ever present in Everton’s goal. His performances in last year’s World Cup earned him high praise and the American deserved every bit. An extremely reliable and hard-working individual, Howard still has a few more good years left in him.
6. Lukasz Fabianski
The Swansea keeper was in fine form last season, keeping 13 clean sheets in the process. He also made the most number of total saves, amounting to 137. The 30-year-old spent seven years at Arsenal where he failed to retain the number one spot, but has already made more league appearances in his one season at Swansea than he did during his time with the Gunners. He helped the Swans to an eighth place finish and considering that they got him on a free transfer, he has proven to be more than a steal. Fabianski will be hopeful to continue his form into 2015-16.
5. Hugo Lloris
The Frenchman has now firmly established himself as Tottenham’s number one since his arrival. He had proven his worth as a youngster in France with Nice and Lyon and continues to do so the Premier League. Lloris might miss the start of the season but will undoubtedly regain his spot when once is fit again. Numerous rumours suggested that he would replace David De Gea if the latter had made a move to Real Madrid, but both are set to remain in the Premier League, at least for now.
4. Petr Cech
You can say a lot about the quality of goalkeepers in the Premier League if you see Cech at the number four position. The Czech international recently concluded a fantastic spell with Chelsea which spread out across 11 years. After Thibaut Courtois was recognised as Jose Mourinho’s first choice gloveman, it was only a matter of time before Cech decided to leave the Blues, joining rivals Arsenal for the upcoming season in a bid to play first-team football. Cech will provide Arsenal with a major boost at the back, an area that the Gunners have struggled with in the recent past. His 333 English league appearances speak for themselves and his experience and ability will prove to be vital in all of Arsenal’s successes. Despite playing second fiddle to Courtois, Cech still managed seven league appearances and 16 in all competitions.
3. Joe Hart
Joe Hart continues to prove why he is and shall remain England’s No.1 for the next few years at least. He managed to keep the most number of clean sheets in the league over 2014-15, earning him his fourth Golden glove award in his last five seasons, a remarkable record for any goalkeeper to have. Hart was City’s saviour last season as he seemed to bail out his defence on numerous occasions. If the Sky Blues are to get back their title from Chelsea, Hart will have continue to be his usual best.
2. Thibaut Courtois
Close but not close enough. Courtois burst onto the scene during his time at Atletico Madrid in Spain, where he spent three season on loan from Chelsea. The Blues signed the Belgian in 2011, but he failed to make any appearances for them until last season. At only 23-years of age, Courtois has enjoyed much success, winning league titles in Spain and in England, the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup along with a couple of domestic cups. The former Genk shot-stopper cemented his side in the Chelsea line-up after his performances for Atletico were good enough for him to replace Cech in-between the posts. Even with the arrival of Begovic, Courtois will still be Chelsea’s number one for many years to come.
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1. David DeGea
Another former Atletico keeper on the list, DeGea had one of the best seasons of his still short career. Despite Man Utd having an unsuccessful season, DeGea’s performances stood out and was rightfully named as Utd’s player of the year in his last two seasons. After enduring a shaky start at Man Utd, DeGea has grown to be one of the world’s best keepers. An impending move to Real Madrid is still on the cards, but it is unlikely to happen this season even after United completed the signing of Argentinian keeper Sergio Romero. At only 24-years of age DeGea has the world at his feet and he only looks to be improving further.
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