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The much-demanding 2020-21 Premier League season has finally come to an end. It feels like a good time to go back and take a look at some of the best young goalkeepers the campaign had to offer.
Ever since the introduction of the back-pass law to the game in 1992, a goalkeeper's position and playing style has rapidly changed over the years. Modern goalkeepers are now expected to be the first point of attack while retaining their shot-stopping prowess in crucial minutes to win games of football.
The importance of investing in young goalkeepers with potential has never been greater in recent history. Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester City achieved their current dominance in the league only after finding a perfect fit between the sticks.
Without further ado, let's have a look at our list.
5 Best young goalkeepers in the Premier League
#5 Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool)
Liverpool have endured a rather difficult year with injuries to multiple key players. Trusted goalkeeper Alisson picked up an injury quite early on in the season. As expected, Adrian stepped up but he too endured a torrid time between the sticks, most notably in an astounding 7-2 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
This meant manager Klopp entrusted young Caoimhin Kelleher to make his European debut against Ajax in the home leg.
The 22-year old shot-stopper did not disappoint. Kelleher put in a solid performance against the Amsterdam club with a string of saves in the first half.
However, his glorious moment came in the match's final minutes when he denied Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from close range in the dying minutes of the game. That in turn helped Liverpool snatch a crucial 1-0 victory.
Rewarding the Irishman's performance, Klopp gave Kelleher his Premier League debut against Wolves in the 4-0 win at Anfield. At 22 years and 13 days, Kelleher became the third-youngest Liverpool goalkeeper to keep a Premier League clean sheet and the youngest to do so in his first league start.
#4 Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United)
Enduring relegation for the second consecutive season, Aaron Ramsdale hasn't had it easy in the Premier League.
Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson was an important player in Chris Wilder's set-up last season, but he returned to his parent club in search of a place in the first team. Sheffield United identified Ramsdale as a potential replacement and bought the goalkeeper from Bournemouth for a fee of £18.5 million.
After initially struggling with both form and confidence in a struggling Sheffield United defense, Ramsdale's performances improved significantly as the Premier League season wore out. Fittingly, he was awarded Sheffield United's player of the year and young player of the year.
The 23-year old also received a surprise call-up for England from manager Gareth Southgate in his 33 men preliminary squad for Euro 2020.
Ramsdale has displayed great maturity and mental strength to turn his fortunes around after coming under the microscope. With time on his side, the young custodian needs to do more to fulfill his potential.
#3 Robert Sanchez (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Like Kelleher, Robert Sanchez was an unknown entity before the start of the season. The 23-year old has stormed ahead of Matt Ryan and even forced the Australian to leave the club on loan in January.
Brighton were leaking losses which left Graham Potter searching for answers. Spanish shot-stopper Sanchez proved to be an effective fix.
With 10 clean sheets in 27 matches, Sanchez finished the season on a high. He was instantly rewarded with a national team call-up for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2020 tournament by Spain head coach Luis Enrique.
The Spaniard is a big and powerful goalkeeper with a height of 1.97m, capable of handling aerial balls. He is fast and has all the attributes to be a great goalkeeper.
Brighton have discovered a long-term prospect between the sticks. Robert Sanchez has saved millions in the transfer market for the Seagulls.
#2 Illan Meslier (Leeds United)
Leeds United have been a delight for the neutral with their attack-based approach. However, this has also demanded more from the defense.
21-year old goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who was signed by Leeds from French side Lorient in the summer, has been a revelation for them. Meslier has been performing like a player who knows all about life in the English top flight.
The tall, athletic shot stopper has been one of the best goalkeepers in the league this season with 11 clean sheets in 35 appearances. His reflexes are as sharp as a cat which helps him make big saves to keep Leeds in the game.
The 21-year-old french goalkeeper is still learning on the job and developing his game. Leeds United have a real gem in Meslier, who could become a star in the future.
#1 Dean Henderson (Manchester United)
Dean Henderson has been a topic of debate for quite some time among the Manchester United faithful.
As a reward for being patient, he got his opportunity at the start of March with United 5th in the league. He went onto help his team on a winning run until the Liverpool game happened where United went onto lose 4-2 at home.
An academy product, Henderson made a name for himself while on loan at Sheffield United for two seasons. The England international made a return to his parent club where he was always earmarked to take up the reins.
Dean Henderson is good with both his hands and feet as a goalkeeper. He is a confident shot-stopper with excellent reflexes. At age 24, he is young for a goalkeeper but vastly experienced. He has all the attributes to be one of the best in the world.
