Top Three Premier League goalkeepers who have impressed for their club so far
In the modern day game, it is absolutely vital that every Premier League team possesses a top quality shot-stopper in goal. Failing to do so would cost the club dearly; take a look at the Liverpool of the past few years as the best example.
They say that attack wins you games, but it is a cliche that a solid defence wins you titles. However, a goalkeeper is capable of winning both. A top quality shot-stopper assures clean sheets and match-winning saves, which can be a difference when the team is not playing well. The goalkeeper can help his team convert draws into wins and losses into draws.
What’s clearly evident is that almost every team in the Premier League has at least one top-class goalkeeper because there’s no way they can through a season unscathed with mediocrity in the goalkeeping department. A number of them have been in the thick of the action in the opening four weeks of the Premier League.
Here we take a look at the three most impressive shot-stoppers so far.
Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
The Brazilian arrived at Anfield and has already kept 3 clean sheets in 4 games. Except for his blunder against Leicester City, Alisson has exhibited strong form in goal. He made a number of vital saves against Brighton and Crystal Palace to keep Liverpool ahead in the game.
The 25-year-old has already mustered 10 important saves so far, looking calm and composed while doing so. The former Roma shot-stopper is also excellent with the ball at his feet. Though he went slightly overboard with his showboating against Leicester, for which he paid the price, Alisson has so far excelled under pressure.
The Brazilian is also an accurate distributor of the ball, delivering a total of 23 pin-point long balls. He often looks for either of Liverpool’s fabulous front three, who are capable of making runs behind the defence. This transition can be a fearsome prospect for any opposition. (Stats Courtesy – Premier League)
Lukasz Fabianski (West Ham United)
It’s fair to say that Lukasz Fabianski is the only player who has properly turned up for West Ham in every game so far. The Hammers are currently rock bottom in the table and if it wasn’t for Fabianski’s heroics, they’d be far worse in terms of goal difference.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men have already conceded a league-high 10 goals this season while scoring just two in return. Fabianski has been their standout performer so far, making a total of 21 saves, which is the most by any goalkeeper. (Stats Courtesy – Premier League)
What’s amazing about the former Swansea City man is his reflex ability from point-blank range. He is brilliant with his decision-making and has often kept his team in the game. The 33-year-old will definitely play a vital role for West Ham this season.
Neil Etheridge (Cardiff City)
Making a total of 17 saves and keeping two clean sheets in four games has put Neil Etheridge on the radar of higher echelons this season. The Cardiff City shot-stopper started the season in exceptional form, making a penalty save in each of his opening two games against Bournemouth and Newcastle United.
He has also trumped Alisson in terms of accurate long balls, which currently stands at 31. The Philippines international is definitely one of the most underrated goalkeepers this season and may surprise a few with his all-around abilities. (Stats Courtesy – Premier League)
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