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A successful Premier League side will need a variety of different elements to come together properly on the pitch. All positions in the line-up will need to contribute, and the goalkeeper is certainly no exception. Beyond simply being a part of the squad, a keeper can often be a true leader for a team moving forward.
Communication is key, and the players at the position are often tasked with organizing the back-line and keeping the formation in the proper shape. The English top flight features several impressive performers, and some did not make the final list of ten.
AFC Bournemouth's Asmir Begović has been a solid presence at the back for his club and helped to secure another Premier League campaign for the Cherries. The 31-year-old was in the top ten last season for saves (111) and has displayed fantastic instincts. After two seasons at Chelsea that saw him behind Thibaut Courtois, Begović has proven himself to be a strong starting option.
A new arrival this year with Wolverhampton, Rui Patrício is prepared to make his debut in English football. After a stellar career with Sporting CP, the 30-year-old keeper joins a squad with several Portuguese internationals eager to make an impact in the Premier League this season. A part of the Portugal squad that captured a title at Euro 2016, fans will be expecting great performances from Patrício in 2018-19.
After impressing at St. James' Park during a loan stint last term, Martin Dubrvaka has signed a permanent deal with Newcastle United this summer. The Slovakian international's positioning was superb, and his efforts on his debut in a 1-0 win against Manchester United helped to bring one of the Magpies' best highlights of the season.
We take a look at the Premier League's ten best goalkeepers, and what to expect from them in the near future:
#10 Ben Foster - Watford
After several years with West Bromwich Albion, Ben Foster will be moving to Watford for the upcoming campaign. Skilled and experienced, the English international will provide a boost for the Hornets.
He will be familiar with Vicarage Road also, having played there on-loan with Watford from 2005-2007.
Foster recorded 100 saves this past season for the Maggies, but it was unfortunately not enough to keep the club in the top flight. He will take over for fan-favourite Heurelho Gomes, and will be expected to provide a consistent and steady presence at the back.
#9 Nick Pope - Burnley
Following a stretch of uncertainty at Charlton Athletic that saw him loaned out eight times in six years, Nick Pope has established himself as a rising star of the Premier League. It was certainly not easy, initially a part of the reserves behind Tom Heaton. However, an injury early last season opened up an opportunity, and the 26-year-old has made the most of that chance.
Pope's fantastic work in goal helped earn Burnley a place in the UEFA Europa League and received his first England call-up this past March. He finished the season sixth in the Premier League with 114 saves and kept 11 clean sheets. Ultimately, his work was critical to the Clarets' seventh-place finish in the table.
The future appears bright as Pope's overall game continues to evolve. He signed a new contract last year, and is tied to Burnley until 2020.
#8 Ederson - Manchester City
Manchester City broke several records on their way to the Premier League title last season, and there is plenty of optimism for their young goalkeeper Ederson as well. The 24-year-old arrived this past summer from Benfica and immediately was able to make an impact in manager Pep Guardiola's team.
He has a flair for the dramatic and is capable of making spectacular stops when needed. While he may not have made an immense amount of saves this past season (58), he also didn't need to. With the likes of John Stones and Kyle Walker in front of him on the back-line, the City keeper has the luxury of playing with stellar defenders and midfielders.
With agility and strength, the Brazilian has been able to control the area in front of goal and has shown no fear when it comes to attacking the ball off his line. Expect to see more immense plays from Ederson in 2018-19.
#7 Fraser Forster - Southampton
A reliable contributor at the back for Southampton, Fraser Forster has been with the Saints since 2014. Possessing sharp instincts and an impressive toughness, the 30-year-old thrives under pressure.
Originally signed by Newcastle United, it took some time for Forster to garner the proper attention. After several loan deals away from Tyneside, it turned out that Scotland was the answer for him with Celtic. A permanent deal was signed with the Bhoys in 2012, and he helped to lead the club to tremendous domestic success.
Things began with the Saints positively, but his current status has changed quite dramatically.
This past season ended poorly for him and he was moved to the bench in favour of Alex McCarthy. Despite the talent present, he could be on the move from Southampton soon.
#6 Kasper Schmeichel - Leicester City
Leicester City needed a talented goalkeeper when they shocked the world to lift the Premier League title in 2015-16, and that is exactly what they have with Kasper Schmeichel.
The 31-year-old recorded 93 saves last season and has showcased excellent leadership to go along with his instincts at the back. His communication with his defenders always seems to be a positive, able to keep his back-line in the best possible position.
His outstanding shot-stopping skills were on the international stage this summer with Denmark at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and Leicester will be hoping that form carries over to the new Premier League campaign.
#5 Petr Cech - Arsenal
One of the true greats in recent years, Petr Cech is still one of the top goalkeepers in England. Now with Arsenal, his successes with Chelsea were impressive.
The 36-year-old made almost 500 appearances across all competitions with the Blues and helped to fill their trophy cabinet. Cech captured four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one Europa League and one Champions League crown with the London club, and now wants to find more glory with the Gunners.
His 201 clean sheets are the most ever in Premier League history. Cech's experience is like no other, and that will bring plenty of benefits for Arsenal this season.
#4 Jordan Pickford - Everton
This countdown wanted to focus on the Premier League, but one simply cannot ignore Jordan Pickford's performances with England this summer at the World Cup.
Everton's shot-stopper was fantastic and seemed to make critical saves in each match.
The 24-year-old made the move from Sunderland to Goodison Park last summer, and it appears to be a very good bit of business for the Toffees. Pickford will only be getting better in the future, and his potential appears limitless at the moment.
#3 Hugo Lloris - Tottenham
Another star at the World Cup this summer, Tottenham's Hugo Lloris has proven himself to be one of the best at anticipating the opposition's movements.
He has been consistent and certainly appears to have manager Mauricio Pochettino's full trust. Lloris seems to know exactly where to be on the pitch and knows how to close down space effectively in one-on-one situations.
If Spurs are to capture silverware this coming season, they will need more strong performances from their talented French goalkeeper.
#2 Thibaut Courtois - Chelsea
With his massive height and incredible reach, Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois has been an important element to recent success at Stamford Bridge.
After starring for Atlético Madrid on-loan, the 26-year-old made his way back to London and has secured his starting role with the club. Courtois was effective at this summer's World Cup also, earning the Golden Glove award as the tournament's top goalkeeper.
Rumours have pointed towards a possible exit this summer, but the Blues would definitely find it difficult to replace the Belgian international.
#1 David de Gea - Manchester United
Yes, he had a disastrous World Cup with Spain this summer, but with Manchester United David de Gea has been an impenetrable force.
He led the Premier League in clean sheets last season with 18, and the Red Devils will be counting on him once again during the coming months.
Agile and athletic, the 27-year-old simply can make saves that others can't. If manager Jose Mourinho is going to guide United to success during the upcoming campaign, he will require more magic from David de Gea in 2018-19.
