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#3 Dean Henderson
After a fine loan spell with Sheffield United, for whom he kept an impressive 13 clean sheets in the Premier League last season, Dean Henderson was back at his parent club Manchester United in the summer.
With the stuttering form of the club's number one David de Gea, the 23-year-old Henderson was expected to provide stiff competition or perhaps even relegate the veteran Spaniard to the bench. However, none of that happened, and Henderson has warmed the bench in the Premier League this season.
In his three appearances for the Premier League giants in 2020-21, Henderson has kept two clean sheets as he has played second fiddle to De Gea in the bigger competitions.
Henderson recently made his England debut against Ireland. To gain more game minutes ahead of the European Championships next summer, Henderson could depart Manchester United on loan in January, with Scottish giants Celtic emerging as a likely destination for the player.
If the move does happen, it could suit all parties. Henderson would be guaranteed first-team football at Celtic; the Scottish club would get the services of a world-class goalkeeper, and United would ensure that the player gains more game-time without losing him in the long term.
#2 Kepa Arrizabalaga
After Chelsea smashed the transfer record for a goalkeeper to land the services of Kepa Arrizabalaga in the summer of 2018, the Spanish custodian has failed to rise up to the occasion and justify his enormous price tag.
During the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, Kepa Arrizabalaga played 69 Premier League games, keeping only 22 clean sheets and conceding a whopping 86 goals.
Although he was not culpable for all those goals, the player's poor technique, lack of command in his penalty area and loss of confidence have led to glaring mistakes, and the Chelsea backline looks very brittle and vulnerable when he is at goal.
The arrival of the excellent Edouard Mendy this season has immediately led to the club experiencing a new-found defensive solidity that was absent in the presence of Arrizabalaga.
In fact, in the three Premier League appearances that the Spaniard has managed this season, he has conceded six goals and has kept no clean sheets. In contrast, Mendy has kept four clean sheets in five Premier League games since his arrival at the club.
Although he was tipped to leave the club in the summer, a move did not materialise, and the player stayed put. The loss of faith in the player's abilities was such that Chelsea even registered the long-retired Petr Cech in their squad.
Arrizabalaga has now been linked with a loan move back to Spain in January, and it is said that he could take a pay cut to resurrect his career and confidence at another club.
#1 Daniel James
After arriving from Swansea City last summer, Daniel James had a fabulous breakthrough season at Manchester United, scoring three goals and assisting six in 33 Premier League games last season.
However, James has struggled for form this year, especially after the Premier League restart following the COVID-19 outbreak and in the new season as well.
With Mason Greenwood and Juan Mata striding ahead of the 23-year-old Welsh winger in Manchester United's pecking order, James managed only three Premier League appearances this season.
The player has been linked with a loan move to Everton in January, and Leeds United are also reported to be interested in a loan deal for the Welshman.
It remains to be seen if James opts to stay back at Old Trafford to fight for his place or moves to another club on loan to rediscover his form from last season.
