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After 85 gruelling league matches, only 4 teams remain in contention to bag the coveted ISL 2018-19 trophy. Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, and NorthEast United FC are the four teams which have made it through to the semi-finals.
Ferran Corominas of FC Goa is currently the favourite for the Golden Boot as he scored 15 goals in 17 matches. Modou Sougou and Bartholomew Ogbeche are hot on his tail with 12 goals each.
But how is the race for the Golden Glove panning out to be? ISL's goalkeepers displayed exceptional athleticism and outstanding shot-stopping ability this season. While there were a few gaffes, the fans did get to witness a lot of spectacular saves and acrobatic dives.
In this article, we take a look at the Top 5 goalkeepers of the season who are in contention for the Golden Glove:
#5 Subrata Paul (Jamshedpur FC)
Jamshedpur FC have scored 29 goals and conceded 21 in the ongoing season. They finished fifth on the ISL table with 27 points from 18 matches and narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. Their nine draws cost them progress to the playoffs.
Veteran Indian goalkeeper Subrata Paul made his experience count on multiple occasions for Jamshedpur FC. The lanky custodian played a total of 1,337 minutes in 15 matches. Paul kept four clean sheets this season.
The 32-year-old also made 32 saves and conceded 18 goals - having a save percentage of 64%. The minutes per goal conceded ratio for Paul was 74.28.
However, Paul's statistics were a lot better in the last edition when he had ended up winning the Golden Glove award and had a minutes per goal ratio of 102.47. Individually, he performed well in the first three seasons as well.
If we look at the overall charts, then Paul has made a total of 206 saves in 70 ISL matches - the most by any goalkeeper. He has also kept the highest number of clean sheets (24) overall.
The goalkeeper from West Bengal is highly regarded as one of India's best goalkeeper of all time, and is renowned for his decision-making ability.
#4 Naveen Kumar (FC Goa)
Naveen Kumar began the season with Kerala Blasters and played five matches for them. He made a return to FC Goa in a swap deal with Lalthuammawia Ralte. Kumar has played five of the seven matches for FC Goa since then.
The 29-year-old has has been highly impressive, making 21 saves in the 10 matches played overall. Naveen has a saves percentage of 63.63% and has conceded only 12 goals.
The Hoshiarpur-born player is also right up there when it comes to moving the ball around and has a passing accuracy of 82.31%. Naveen has great command of his area and is calm under pressure.
The Gaurs won 10, lost four, and drew four of their 18 matches to finish at the second spot on the league table. They have also conceded just 20 goals - the joint second lowest along with Mumbai City FC - and only behind NorthEast United, who conceded 18 goals.
The Goa-based franchise scored a whopping 36 goals during the league stage. They will be squaring off against Mumbai City FC in the semi-final and once again Naveen Kumar is expected to the be their guardian between the sticks.
FC Goa coach Sergio Lobera has also used youngster Mohammad Nawaz as a goalkeeper this season, and it will be a good problem to choose between him and Kumar in the all-important semis.
#3 Pawan Kumar (NorthEast United)
NorthEast United gaffer Eelco Schattorie has brought out the best in goalkeeper Pawan Kumar.
The Gurdaspur-born player has represented clubs such as JCT, Air India, Salgaocar, and Bengaluru FC in the past. His stint with the ISL began with Chennaiyin last season but he only started once.
NorthEast United conceded the least number of goals during the league stage (18) and Kumar deserves a fair share of credit for that.
The 28-year-old possesses excellent reflexes and has made a total of 29 saves in the 14 matches he has played. Kumar conceded just 13 goals and also averages 15.86 passes per game. The NorthEast United goalkeeper has six clean sheets to his name and tops the charts as things stand.
Pawan's minute per goal ratio of 89.38 is also noteworthy and something which puts him in good stead for winning the Golden Glove award.
#4 Amrinder Singh (Mumbai City FC)
Mumbai City FC possesses an exceptional asset in Amrinder Singh. The 25-year-old from Mahilpur in Punjab is one of the finest Indian goalkeepers of the present generation.
Amrinder has made a phenomenal 55 saves in the 17 matches he has played. He has conceded 18 goals which make his minutes per goal ratio a commendable 84.61.
The classy custodian had the highest number of saves (59) in the previous edition of ISL and is likely to repeat the feat this time around as well. Kamaljit Singh of FC Pune City is currently on top with 59 saves.
The Stallions have been eliminated, and, if all goes well, Amrinder has the two semifinal legs (and a probable final) yet to play - giving him a good chance of topping the charts this time as well.
The agile Amrinder, who has saved 75.34% of the total shots faced, is trusted by Jorge Costa for his ability to clear out danger in the penalty box. He is athletic as well and has good chances of becoming the go-to man for the Blue Tigers in the near future.
#1 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)
There have been a few jittery moments for Gurpreet Singh Sandhu between the sticks. Yet, the lanky player has proved time and again why he is India's first choice goalkeeper in international matches.
His 6ft 6in frame helps him come out and collect crosses with ease. The 27-year-old has improved with experience, and his immaculate reflexes, superb handling of the ball, aerial prowess, and ability to close in on opposition strikers in one on one situations makes Gurpreet one of the most complete goalkeepers.
The Punjab-born player has played 17 matches thus far and made a spectacular 55 saves. He has conceded 17 goals, which make his minutes per goal conceded ratio 90 (the best currently).
Carles Cuadrat's go-to man has a high save percentage of 76.38% and has kept five clean sheets as well. He is one of the clear favourites to win the Golden Glove award this season.
