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The Premier League is arguably the most entertaining and competitive football league in the world. With an emphasis on attack, the shot-stoppers have a tough job to do on a consistent basis.
Goalkeepers are arguably the most underrated players on the field, especially in the Premier League, as much of the focus is on attackers and midfielders. However, teams with a defensive style of play are often peppered with shots, so goalkeepers of such teams have to stay alert and focussed.
On that note, let's take a look at the five goalkeepers with the most saves in the 2020-21 Premier League.
#5 Alphonse Areola (Fulham) | 116 saves
Fulham may have been relegated from the Premier League, but Scott Parker's men gave a good fight.
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While centre-backs Joachim Andersen and Tosin Adarabioyo earned plaudits for their performances, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was one of the better shot-stoppers in the league. Signed on loan from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last summer, the France international was an ever-present for Fulham in the 2020-21 Premier League.
Areola's skills were in full display during the Premier League campaign, as he made some vital saves to keep Fulham in contention. It is unlikely the 28-year old will play in the Championship, so he should not be short of suitors should he decide to leave Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
#4 Illan Meslier (Leeds United) | 140 saves
Leeds United's enterprising style of play has seen them become the favourites of many neutrals. While they are a potent attacking threat, Marcelo Bielsa's men remain a work in progress defensively.
That means their young goalkeeper Illan Meslier has had to step up, and he did that, impressing with his displays. The 21-year old, who arrived from Lorient in 2019, became a starter for Leeds United this season and was one of the best goalkeepers in the 2020-21 Premier League.
His performances for Leeds United have been such that Meslier has already been linked with a return to France, with Paris Saint-Germain said to be interested in his services. The France U20 international will be a man in demand if he continues to play at a high level.
Also Read: UEFA Euro 2020: Top 5 contenders to win the tournament.
#3 Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) | 142 saves
Emiliano Martinez, whose rise to the top has been well-documented, was one of the best goalkeepers in the 2020-21 Premier League.
After enjoying a good second half of the 2019-20 season with Arsenal, which culminated with a FA Cup triumph, Martinez joined Aston Villa for a fee of £15.5 million. With Villa enduring goalkeeping woes last season, the acquisition of Martinez proved to be a shrewd one.
The Argentine kept 15 clean sheets during the 2020-21 Premier League and was a reassuring presence in goal for the Villans. Martinez won the Aston Villa Supporters' Player of the Season recently, and the 28-year old is at the top of his game at the moment.
#2 Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United) | 147 saves
Unlike Fulham, Sheffield United's 2020-21 Premier League season was nothing to write home about. They have a lot to think about as they get ready to play in the Championship next season.
Dean Henderson had been one of the most important players for the Blades last season, but he returned to his parent club Manchester United in the summer. Sheffield United bought Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth for a fee of £18.5 million, and it would be fair to say the 23-year old did not enjoy the best of campaigns.
Ramsdale was an inconsistent presence in goal for Sheffield United. Eye-catching saves were interspersed with silly mistakes, although constant comparisons to Henderson did not help.
Nevertheless, the 23-year old received a surprise call-up for England by manager Gareth Southgate, who named Ramsdale in his preliminary squad for Euro 2020.
#1 Sam Johnstone (West Bromwich Albion) | 166 saves
It is not surprising to see the goalkeepers of all three relegated teams being named in this list.
Sam Johnstone was one of the better players in a West Bromwich Albion team that looked devoid of inspiration from the very beginning. The 28-year old, who signed for the Baggies from Manchester United in 2018, made some impressive saves. But they were eventually to no avail as West Bromwich Albion finished 19th in the Premier League to go down to the Championship.
Johnstone's performances did not gone unnoticed, though. He was named in England's preliminary squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 tournament. He has also been linked with Premier League teams Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United in recent weeks.
Also Read: 5 best teams in Premier League history.
