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Goalkeepers are a different breed to their fellow outfield players. Their job is like a poisoned chalice. They will be lauded as heroes for their entire career if they provide stability, agility and a hint of eccentricity. However, one mistake too many, and a goalkeeper will become the laughing stock of their respective club and league. There is a thin line in football between being the best in the world to the worst. This sentiment is of particular relevance for the men between the sticks. It truly is an unenviable job.
However, the English league still houses some of the worlds best and most reliable. These men make the job seem easy and as if anybody could try their hand at it. Trust us though, nobody can simply stand between the sticks and become a keeper. We must reiterate that it is NOT as easy as these five stars make it seem.
Nonetheless, let us count down the five best goalkeepers currently plying their trade in the Premier League.
#5 Bernd Leno
The German international was signed by Arsenal for a handsome fee back in 2018. However, Leno did not have as good a start as he might have hoped. During his first season in England, he was thrust into a battle with veteran Petr Cech for the starting spot at Arsenal. This was by no means an easy task. Leno struggled at first. He failed to fully displace a retiring Petr Cech and when he did play, he was less than convincing.
Given that this is a list dealing with the top 5 custodians in the league, you can probably guess that Leno turned a corner. Cech retired and Leno was trusted with being Arsenal's main man.
He duly obliged and has started to show why he was signed in the first place. Leno is currently second on the most saves stats chart. His shot-stopping ability has truly been proven this season and he should remain the number one at Arsenal for some time.
Despite a couple of minor blips here and there, such as the mistake against Chelsea allowing Jorginho to score, it is undeniable that Leno is improving and becoming a top-class keeper. He is young for a goalkeeper at 27 and is approaching his prime in decent form. If he continues this upward trajectory, then he will without a doubt retain his place on this list.
#4 Dean Henderson
The Sheffield United man rose to stardom last season playing a pivotal role in their promotion. Manchester United loaned him back for Sheffield United's first season back in the top flight and what a move that has been.
Many have tipped the youngster to take both the Manchester United and England number one jersey in the coming years. At 22, Henderson reallly does have time on his side. He has blossomed in the Premier League. His consistent reliability has been a key factor in Sheffield United's recent good form. 8 clean sheets in 22 games in a first premier league season os no mean feat.
Henderson will go on to be a top class keeper. In fact, he already is. It is a cliche but the sky truly is the limit for Dean Henderson. he will truly be tested when he returns to Manchester and enter the international fold, but he certainly has taken any challenge in his stride so far in his young career.
#3 David De Gea
Three years ago, De Gea would have easily been first on this list. Despite his recent drop in form, his quality remains in tact. De Gea has been bailing out a weak United defense week after week for years. There are few better shot-stopper in the league.
His ability to save with his feet is unprecedented. There has never been a keeper in the Premier League with De Gea's traits. His agility is unmatched and the Spaniard will go down as one of the best that the Premier League has ever seen. This is proven by his four consecutive Manchester United Player of the Year awards. To be the best at one of the worlds biggest clubs must indicate a top quality player and De Gea is exactly that.
While he has not been at his usual best this season, De Gea has still shown in glimpses exactly what he is capable of. There is no doubt that this is a mere dip in form and not an accurate reflection of his undeniable quality.
#2 Ederson
The Brazilian played a crucial role in Manchester City's most recent title wins. His passing ability is on par with most outfield players, which suits the City system to a tee. He rarely lets his team down, both in his passing out of the back and general shot-stopping. His entire persona is cool and collected, something that aids the team's cause greatly. He is always in control of every situation, whether that be an awkward bobbling back-pass or a well-taken corner. Ederson is always capable of handling any situation.
He is smaller in stature to some others on this list, but that is hardly noticeable. Perhaps the biggest compliment to Ederson is just how much City struggle when he is missing and replaced by the entirely competent Claudio Bravo.
His huge transfer fee has been totally repayed and he will likely have a huge role in the coming seasons for City. He is rarely on the losing team and most sides would pray to have him on theirs. He truly is one of the world's best.
#1 Alisson
Ederson's Brazilian comrade pips him to the number one spot. The two have freakishly similar playing styles, both with excellent passing and playing it out of the back capabilities. However it is the brick wall that Alisson has built in front of Liverpool's goal that has earned him the top spot.
He is on track to beat Van Der Sar's record of minutes without conceding a goal. 700 plus minutes and counting of constant reliability and clean sheets must not go unnoticed. Alisson has played a massive part in Liverpool's drive for their first league title, and was crucial in their historic Champions League win in 2019. The difference he has made since signing after the disastrous goalkeeping of the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid, courtesy of one Loris Karius, has been huge.
Alisson is fantastic with his feet and has become one of the best shot-stoppers in the world. He continues to retain the No.1 jersey for Brazil over Ederson due to his pure dominance over all aspects of the goalkeeping position. He would fit perfectly into any tactical system and will likely be a dominant figure in the Premier League for years to come.
