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With the high-octane attacking play taking up most of the limelight in the Premier League, the defensive aspect is often forgotten. Most managers will agree to the fact that a team cannot achieve greatness without an impenetrable defence.
The modern-day goalkeeper needs to incorporate multiple aspects into his game. Along with shop-stopping and aerial prowess, passing ability and composure are necessary.
Several teams rely on playing out from the back, which requires their goalkeeper to be at his best. A single mistake can prove to be disastrous for the team, which can change the complexion of entire games.
The Premier League has been enthralling as always, with teams separated by fine margins at both ends of the table. Nevertheless, some goalkeepers have exceeded expectations, while others have come under scrutiny.
As we reach the end of the year, here’s a look at five goalkeepers with the most Premier League clean sheets in 2021:
#5 Aaron Ramsdale - 13
Aaron Ramsdale’s transfer to Arsenal from Sheffield United this season raised eyebrows, as he was signed for £30 million. Although he has endured back-to-back relegations with Sheffield United and Bournemouth, he has found his place in the Premier League at Arsenal.
Ramsdale has firmly cemented his position as the Gunners’ first-choice keeper. He has kept 13 clean sheets in the Premier League in 2021, including eight this season. That is the joint third-best in the league this campaign, level with Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy.
It is worth mentioning that Hugo Lloris also has 13 clean sheets in the league this year, but has played one game more.
What has caught the eye has been Ramsdale’s elite distribution. Along with making breathtaking saves, the 23-year-old is comfortable in possession and can produce pinpoint long balls. Ramsdale wears his heart on his sleeve, and is fiercely passionate, which has been evident during his Arsenal stint.
#4 Robert Sanchez - 14
Robert Sanchez has had an incredible start to his Premier League career with Brighton. Part of their youth squad, the Spaniard was sent on loan to Forest Green Rovers and Rochdale. Sanchez made his Brighton debut in 2020, replacing Matt Ryan.
He has kept 14 clean sheets in the Premier League in 2021. The Spaniard has missed one game for Brighton so far, as he was suspended after receiving a red card. Brighton were quite impressive during the first few months in the Premier League, but have faltered of late.
A towering presence at goal, Sanchez is aggressive during set-pieces, and commands the box well. The 24-year-old has kept five clean sheets so far in the Premier League this season.
Brighton have conceded just 17 goals, which is the fifth-best record in the league. If the Seagulls can sort things out in attack, they could be a force to be reckoned with.
#3 Alisson Becker - 15
Alisson Becker, one of the best Liverpool deals in the Premier League era, has been outstanding between the sticks this season. The Liverpool No.1 signed for the Reds from Roma in 2018, and has transformed their backline. The Brazilian has become an indispensable asset to Jurgen Klopp.
Becker’s 2018-19 campaign was one of his greatest ever. He won the Champions League with Liverpool and Copa America with Brazil. He also won the Yashin Trophy, and was named the goalkeeper of the season in the Champions League. The Brazilian also won the Premier League and Copa America Golden Glove Award that year.
Alisson has kept 15 clean sheets in the Premier League in 2021. He has made 17 appearances this season, keeping nine clean sheets.
This is the second-best record in the Premier League this campaign, only behind Ederson, who has ten. Although he made a blunder in the game, Alisson was crucial for Liverpool in their 2-2 draw against Tottenham.
#2 Edouard Mendy - 19
Edouard Mendy has proven to be a magnificent acquisition for Chelsea since he joined the Blues in 2020.
He was signed from Rennes in 2020 for £22 million, which can be regarded a bargain deal. Mendy has provided Chelsea with reliability and composure between the sticks.
The Senegalese was particularly impressive in the 2020-21 campaign, winning the Champions League with Chelsea. He was also named the Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season. Chelsea’s form has dropped a wee bit recently. Mendy’s absence during the AFCON could exacerbate their woes.
He has kept 19 clean sheets for Chelsea in the Premier League in 2021. Eight of them have come this season, which is third-best along with Aaron Ramsdale. The Chelsea goalkeeper has rarely put a foot wrong, providing Thomas Tuchel with a steady supply of clean sheets.
#1 Ederson Moraes - 22
Having joined Manchester City in 2017, Ederson Moraes has fit perfectly into Pep Guardiola’s system.
The Brazilian is calm under pressure and can play out from the back when required. It is safe to say that Brazil have two of the world’s best goalkeepers in Ederson and Alisson.
Ederson has won the Premier League Golden Glove award in the past two seasons, and continues to be impressive for City. Although Manchester City’s robust defence helps the Brazilian’s cause, Ederson has always stepped up when required.
The Brazilian is excellent with the ball at his feet, and can produce impeccable passes. He started his career playing in the outfield for Benfica, but found his calling in goal.
Ederson has kept 22 league clean sheets in 2021, including ten this season. He is the current leader in the 2021-22 Premier League, and will hope to win his third Golden Glove.
