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Goalkeepers in the Premier League arguably have the most thankless job in the world. Every little slip-up is mercilessly scrutinised, while very few of their saves get the praise they deserve. Despite such unfavourable odds, they turn up on every single matchday, hoping to elevate their teams to greater heights.
The English Premier League is blessed with some excellent shot-stoppers — keepers who can give any attacker a run for their money. Today, we will be taking a look at 5 goalkeepers who could do something extra special in the 2021-22 campaign. Now, without further ado, let us check out
5 goalkeepers you should keep an eye on in the 2021-22 Premier League season
#5 David de Gea (Manchester United)
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea used to be one of the hottest names in the business back in 2018. All it took was a disastrous and unfortunate spell at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the sky came crashing down.
Manchester United backed one of their own throughout the 2019-20 campaign, but the return of only 13 clean sheets in 38 Premier League matches was not enough for the Red Devils to keep their faith in the Spaniard. They went ahead and brought back another Manchester United academy graduate, Dean Henderson.
Last season, Dean Henderson finished the season strongly, starting seven of the final nine games of the 2020-21 Premier League season. Many are hoping for Henderson to get the nod ahead of de Gea this season, and it would be interesting to see how the Manchester United number 1 reacts to the threat.
#4 Ederson (Manchester City)
After dominating the 2020-21 Premier League season, Manchester City are prepared to continue from where they left off in the upcoming campaign.
Every Manchester City player played their part to perfection, and Ederson was no exception. The Manchester City keeper, who booked his third Premier League title in four years, was one of Pep Guardiola’s best performers in the 2020-21 campaign. Naturally, he will look to extend his excellent run in the English top-flight this season.
Ederson, who is known for his excellent work on the ball, had kept a total of 19 clean sheets in 36 appearances, which no other keeper in the Premier League could match. Ederson will try to win his third consecutive Golden Glove this season, and we are not willing to bet against the Brazilian.
#3 Illan Meslier (Leeds United)
Following a blistering campaign in the Championship, Leeds United booked themselves a spot in the English Premier League 2020-21 campaign. They played impressive attacking football throughout the season, but it was their keeper that helped them stay afloat in the Premier League.
The 21-year-old French goalkeeper was in scintillating form in the league and showed no nerves even in front of some of the most feared goalscorers in the world. His command inside the box was well documented and his quick decision-making won many hearts.
Meslier also became the youngest Premier League keeper in history to keep 10 clean sheets - a record that was previously held by Manchester City's Joe Hart. He ended the season with 36 appearances, denying the attackers in 11 of those matches. Expect him to continue impressing this season as well.
#2 Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)
Kepa Arrizabalaga may very well be the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of football, but it is Edouard Mendy who has managed to become Chelsea’s go-to man under the crossbar.
Mendy is a France-born Senegalese footballer who played for Marseille B and Stade Rennais before donning the Chelsea shirt in September 2020. He was immediately given the nod ahead of Kepa, and the gamble paid off handsomely. The 29-year-old impressed with his shot-stopping skills and was mighty impressive with the ball as well.
The player successfully got the better of Kepa in the Premier League last season, but the Spaniard is slowly coming back to the good books of Thomas Tuchel — especially after the shootout heroics against Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup. Mendy is still expected to get the nod in Chelsea’s first Premier League outing against Aston Villa on Saturday, but there is no margin for error anymore.
#1 Alisson (Liverpool)
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson became a revelation days after he signed for the Premier League aspirants in 2018. He was good with the ball, organized his defenders immaculately, and had commendable shot-stopping skills.
He played a crucial role as Liverpool broke their Premier League drought in the 2019-20 season. Unfortunately, he could not maintain his purple patch in the Premier League and was way below his usual standards. In 33 Premier League matches, Alisson managed to keep only 10 clean sheets, conceding 32 goals in the process. He also committed the most fatal errors — three — that led to a goal. He topped off the season by scoring a historic goal against West Brom, but it was not enough to save him from criticism.
Liverpool will need their first-choice keeper to regain the confidence he lost last season. Without him, the Reds do not seem to have any chance of taking the fight to other title contenders.
