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No domestic league could arguably ever match Premier League standards. England's top-flight football delivers year in and year out and gifts its fans with spectacles worth remembering.
The beauty of the Premier League lies in the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Nobody is really a favorite or an underdog. While our expectations are bestowed upon the 'Big Six', the minnows of the EPL are capable of pulling an upset too.
As we approach the end of the year, we can look back at far too many incredible performances and moments. On the same note, let's take a look at the five best goalkeepers in the Premier League this year (2021).
Note: It is a near-impossible task to differentiate better from the best in a closely contested fight. The rankings have been made after considering the goalkeepers' year-round performance.
#5 Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)
Under Jose Mourinho's reign, Hugo Lloris was deployed in every match that the Londoners played in. The club have been undergoing transitions and have been struggling with their form lately. However, amidst all this, Hugo Lloris keeps delivering.
In a closely contested season last year, Spurs finished seventh after a season-long battle for third and fourth place. The French goalkeeper is now 35-year-old but his reflexes don't represent his age. Lloris seems to be on top of his game and is certain to be there for a long time.
The Spurs captain ended last season with 12 clean sheets. However, with just 16 games played so far this season, he has already achieved seven clean sheets. Undoubtedly, Hugo Lloris has been one of the best goalies within the Premier League this year.
#4 Lukasz Fabianski (West Ham)
West Ham United have been thriving under current manager David Moyes. The ex-Manchester United gaffer has brought some serious changes within the club and the same has been reflected in their performance levels too.
When we speak about West Ham's advancements, their shot-stopper Lukasz Fabianski's input cannot be overlooked. The Polish international has been instrumental in West Ham United's recent success. With 10 clean sheets and 103 saves, Lukasz Fabianski helped his team finish sixth (just two points outside of the top four) last season.
The same has earned him a contract extension ahead of the current season where he continues his brilliant form. For his consistency throughout the year, the former Arsenal man deservingly earns a place in the list of finest Premier League goalkeepers in 2021.
#3 Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)
Chelsea had a year to remember last term. After taking over from Frank Lampard in January, Thomas Tuchel led his team to a thumping UEFA Champions League victory. Among Tuchel's best players, Edouard Mendy has to be the top performer.
The Senegalese keeper was on top of his game throughout last season and he has kept his standards up this year too. Mendy bagged the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and second-place in the FA Cup in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
His heroics earned him a spot in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Year and the Goalkeeper of the Season award. Chelsea are among the top-runners in the Premier League this term and are doing their best to pressurize rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
A massive chunk of hope lies upon Edouard Mendy to help his team get through the finish line successfully.
#2 Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
Ever since Alisson Becker arrived in England from from Roma in Italy, he has barely kept a foot wrong. He has lived up to the reputation of being the most expensive goalkeeper of all time.
Alisson was a crucial element of Liverpool's transition under Jurgen Klopp. The same saw the Reds lift the Premier League and UEFA Champions League trophies in consecutive years.
Even though Liverpool finished third in the Premier League race last term, Alisson did his part. The Brazilian conceded just 32 goals off 33 games. He even scored a crucial goal (versus West Brom in the dying seconds) that kept Liverpool's title hopes alive during the season.
Liverpool are breathing down league leaders Manchester City's neck at the moment. And once again, Alisson is proving to be the best for his side. The former Roma man has conceded only 15 goals off 17 games. He also has nine clean sheets.
#1 Ederson Moraes (Manchester City)
No other active goalkeeper has won more Premier League Golden Gloves than Ederson (2). The Manchester City goalkeeper has set a standard that not everyone can achieve.
Ederson helped Manchester City seal the Premier League title last year in comprehensive fashion. He has also played a crucial part in helping Manchester City secure a top berth before the end of the year.
The Brazilian shot-stopper ended the 2020-21 season by conceding the least number of goals (28). He continues the feat at present as well. Ederson Moraes has conceded just 12 off 18 games so far this season. For his continued efforts, Ederson is undoubtedly the best PL goalkeeper of 2021.
