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Traditionally, the Premier League has been home to some of the best goalkeepers in world football but now, more than ever, a handful of teams outside the top-six are blessed with proven shot-stoppers between the sticks. The role of a modern-day goalkeeper has changed in recent seasons and managers' need for their keepers to play out from the back has seen them break the bank to sign their primary targets.
The likes of Ederson Moraes, Alisson Becker and Kepa Arrizabalaga have all sealed big-money moves to the English top-flight in recent seasons and the trend looks like it could continue in the coming years, as the game continues to change more than ever.
The 2019/20 edition of the Premier League has already been a hell of a season so far and we've already had our fair share of drama after 12 matchdays, ranging from something as polarizing as the VAR to controversial refereeing decisions. The 29th edition of the Premier League has also witnessed some standout performances between the sticks, most notably Paulo Gazzaniga's stunning performance, as Spurs were downed 2-1 by league leaders Liverpool in October.
On that note, let's look at three of the most in-form goalkeepers in the Premier League at the moment.
3. Aaron Ramsdale - Bournemouth
Aaron Ramsdale has been one of the revelations of the Premier League season so far and the youngster has established himself as the undisputed number one between the sticks for Bournemouth. With Asmir Begovic fading away in recent seasons and Artur Boruc in the twilight years of his career, it looked like Eddie Howe would look to bring in a first-choice goalkeeper this summer but Ramsdale has taken his chance brilliantly, since being given the opportunity in pre-season.
Mark Travers was also in the running to take over the reins from Begovic and the Republic of Ireland international became the first goalkeeper since Joe Hart in 2006 to start a Premier League game as a teenager, but Ramsdale was rewarded for his stellar performances in pre-season as Howe trusted him with the gloves in the season opener, a chance he took readily.
The Cherries shot-stopper is also set to captain the England U-21s this week, as they take on Holland in a friendly and he spoke about what an honour it would be to lead his side, adding that he is targetting a place in Gareth Southgate's 23-man squad for Euro 2020.
Ramsdale has established himself as one of the best young goalkeepers in the continent and has made a staggering 43 saves so far this season, a tally that is only bettered by Arsenal's Bernd Leno.
2. Dean Henderson - Sheffield United
Dean Henderson spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Sheffield United and played a starring role, as the Blades achieved promotion to the top-flight for the first time in 12 years. In the summer that followed, Henderson returned to parent club Manchester United but Chris Wilder pushed hard to re-sign the young goalkeeper as he'd made quite an impression in his solitary season at the club.
The 22-year-old has been one of the key players as Sheffield have taken the Premier League by storm this season, as they currently sit fifth in the Premier League standings ahead of the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Henderson's self-confidence is apparent as ever and his maturity is way beyond his years, as he's been unfazed by the prospect of taking on some of the best attackers in the country.
Wilder's side have only conceded 9 goals in 12 Premier League outings and have the second-best defensive record in the league after Leicester City, a staggering return for a newly promoted side and the Englishman's form has been the main reason behind their defensive solidarity this season.
As Tom Heaton pulled out of the England squad owing to a minor injury, Henderson was called up by Gareth Southgate as a replacement for the Aston Villa man, a fitting reward for his sensational performances this season.
David de Gea could be hard to displace between the sticks for Manchester United but Henderson has proved that he more than belongs in the Premier League and has established himself as one of the biggest goalkeeping talents in world football.
1. Ederson Moraes - Manchester City
Since moving from Benfica for a then world-record fee of £34 million, Ederson has continued to enhance his reputation between the sticks for Manchester City and his all-round displays are a prime example of what you'd expect from a modern-day goalkeeper. Pep Guardiola's sides often see a lot of the ball and dominate games to start from finish, and it is no secret that the Spaniard prefers to have a ball-playing goalkeeper to facilitate attacks from the back.
In terms of distribution, the Brazilian is arguably the best in the business and his long goal-kicks have been instrumental in Manchester City's destructive counter-attacks over the years. This season, the 26-year-old has delivered the goods when it mattered for the Cityzens and his absence in a potential title-decider against Liverpool was a massive blow, as Guardiola's side were downed 3-1 at Anfield.
Ederson produced a series of match-winning saves against Crystal Palace last month, a fixture the Cityzens lost last season and was the standout player on the night, as he was adjudged Man of the Match. The former Benfica man is carrying a minor injury and Guardiola will be hoping he makes a swift recovery, as they aim to close the nine-point gap between themselves and Liverpool in the Premier League summit.
Also check out: Premier League Table Champions League table Bundesliga schedule
