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"Being a good person is like being a goalkeeper; no matter how many goals you save some people will remember only the one that you missed." The famous words from Iker Casillas has been a motivation to plenty of shot-stoppers around the world. Indian football too has witnessed the rise of numerous goalkeepers with fine keeper skills. The introduction of the Indian Super League opened up wide opportunities to keepers.
The change in ISL rules limiting the number of foreign players in the playing XI forced the teams to field Indian goalkeepers. However, this became a great revelation with a sudden rise in the competition to the custodian position of the national team. With the league nearing the start of the 5th season, teams are confident enough to enter the field without a single foreign goalkeeper.
This post will take a look at the 5 Best Goalkeepers to be watched out for in the upcoming season.
#5. Debjit Majumder - ATK
Debjit Majumder is not a new face between the nets of ATK. The franchise offering him a spot for the 3rd consecutive season itself proves how valuable he is to them. Having represented the team in 29 ISL matches, he holds a save percentage of 67 with 8 clean sheets.
Although the squad has Arindam Bhattacharja, Majumder is expected to be the first option and will have lots of expectations on his shoulder. The 30-year old's role in ATK's title win in 2016 has not been forgotten by the management and this is the reason, he has been retained even after a comparatively disappointing 2017/18 season. The Kolkata boy will be one to watch out for, when the ball rolls on 29th at Salt Lake.
#4. Vishal Kaith - FC Pune City
Vishal Kaith was a name in the good books of Indian goalkeeper enthusiasts, after seasons with I-league club Shillong Lajong. He was picked in the FC Pune City in 2016, but had to wait till the next season to find a game. But when he was offered one, he made sure that no one had any second thoughts about the man between the bars. He started in 17 out of 20 matches for the club, with 70% saves and 7 clean sheets.
The confidence and skills showcased by the 22-year old attracted the attention of many. He is sure to be the man at back for the Stallions and will be aiming a memorable performance for a spot in the national squad for the upcoming tournaments.
#3. Amarinder Singh - Mumbai City FC
He is yet another young Indian goalkeeper with sufficient experience in ISL. The Punjab born player will be wearing the gloves in ISL for the 4th season. Amarinder has ISL numbers of 35 appearances with save percentage of 68 and 8 clean sheets. He also has other decent figures of 103 saves and 81 clearances throughout his ISL career. He will be vital in organizing the Mumbai City FC defence and keeping the leakages minimum.
#2. Subrata Paul - Jamshedpur FC
Surata Paul, never a new name to the football fields of India should definitely find a spot in the list. Often regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Asia, he is known as 'The Indian Spiderman'. All the previous 4 seasons have turned out to be a merry time for the 31-year old. Subrata holds eye-catching figures for a man in front of the goal.
From 55 matches he has made 168 saves including 20 clean sheets. A passing accuracy just below 50% shows how crucial a role he plays in providing the ball forward. A usual scene of hard stops and long clearances will be expected from him between the sticks in the coming season too.
#1. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu - Bengaluru FC
The goalkeeper who should be watched out for, this season should certainly be Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The Bengaluru FC custodian is among the top rated in the country with experiences of international duties and overseas leagues. Gurpreet who played his first ISL last season made 19 appearances and conceded just 17 goals.
With 46 saves against his names, he held 7 clean sheets, 115 catches, and 37 clearances. The defense lineup headed by this 6 ft 4 in man, will be the one to beat, for the forwards. If Gurpreet rises to the expectations, a well-packed guard can be seen at one end of Bengaluru FC.
