Here are the top five goalkeepers who could win the golden glove in the upcoming season.
Goalkeepers can make a huge difference to any side in the world. In spite of not receiving lauds as the outfield players, they decide the team’s success faith and their stellar performances goes unnoticed at times.
Over the last few seasons, there have been a few shares between the Premier League goalkeepers, including the record-holders Petr Cech and Joe Hart – with each winning it four times. Second-placed Pepe Reina has won it thrice, followed by Edwin Van der Sar, Thibaut Courtois, Wojciech Szczesny, David De Gea, and Alisson Becker with one apiece.
Former Chelsea custodian Petr Cech has the most number of clean sheets (24) throughout a single season. Second comes Alisson Becker and Edwin Van der Saar with 21 clean sheets in a Premier League campaign.
With the new season in the street corner, here are the five goalkeepers possessing a chance to lift the golden glove in the upcoming season.
#5. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea):
Kepa Arrizabalaga kept third-most highest clean sheets last season, but he was far off in terms of the numbers from the Brazilians Alisson Becker and Ederson Moraes. The Blues, who have been hit with a transfer ban, are not able to amend their average backline.
The comeback of Antonio Rudiger and Frank Lampard’s 4-2-3-1 formation could reduce their defenders from a whopping workload. The likes of N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount shielding the backline will assist the backline, although the lacking quality at stake. Kepa does not head into this season as a favourite for the golden glove, but could surprise the rest.
#4. David De Gea (Manchester United:
What followed for the 2017/18 Premier League golden glove winner was a disastrous campaign. The Red Devils did not look defensively settled under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season and kept just 7 clean sheets. The Norwegian pointed out the lack of players’ athleticism leading to a string of poor results.
With the acquisition of Aaron-Wan Bissaka, the Red Devils have cut down the leakage of goals in the pre-season. The manager is also keen on Marry Maguire to strengthen the backline. If De Gea has a better defence in front of him, he’s the frontrunner for the golden glove.
#3. Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur):
Tottenham Hotspur were going toe-to-toe with Manchester City and Liverpool until Christmas, but they totally faltered in the second part of the season. It was majorly down to the lack of defensive midfielders, who were not able to defensive solidity to the side. Additionally, Kieran Trippier, who was at the end of an awful campaign, has been sold to Atletico Madrid.
The Champions League runners-up are eyeing both left-back and right-back before the culmination of the transfer window. Lloris kept 13 clean sheets last season and could find himself in the top of the list this time because of the summer signing. Tanguy Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko will comprise the defensive midfield duo. With them at stake, opponents will find it harder to penetrate Spurs’ defence – handing over a huge boost to Lloris.
#2. Ederson Moraes (Manchester City):
Arguably, the best with his foot in the world, Ederson Moraes is integral to Manchester City’s success. The Brazilian does not boast extravagant figures in his game, but makes plenty of interceptions and last man saves.
Pep Guardiola’s side as a whole, love to keep their ball in their feet – nullifying opponents’ threat. The Citizens have one of the finest midfield departments in the world – having the panache to protect the backline which can be easily exploited. He kept 20 clean sheets, one lesser than Alisson, and enters this season as one of the favourites.
#1. Alisson Becker (Liverpool):
Alisson Becker was the king of clean sheets last campaign by lifting the Premier League, Champions League, and Copa America golden gloves. The Brazilian has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world right now with an exceptional campaign with his club and country.
The Brazilian boasted the highest save percentage in the league last campaign and the golden glove was thoroughly deserved. Jurgen Klopp has not added any first team member to the already-settled backline, which kept the most number of clean sheets last season. His presence at the back has made a massive difference in the backline for Liverpool. The former Roma’s custodian partnership along with Virgil Van Dijk has hit inordinate heights at Anfield, as they head into another season with tons of expectations and Alisson is anticipated to keep his individual accolade intact.
