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Goalkeepers form the foundation of every football team's defense. Starting at the heart of the defense, the goalkeeper has a unique role in organizing his backline to prepare for any threats.
While the position of goalie was earlier neglected, it's clear that all the top European clubs have put high importance on the role now. With several clubs breaking the bank to sign world-class goalkeepers, their importance is clear to see now more than ever.
On that note, let's take a look at the top five goalkeepers in the Premier League right now.
#5. Hugo Lloris - Tottenham Hotspur
Hugo Lloris has been Tottenham Hotspur's main goalkeeper for almost a decade now.
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Signed from Lyon in 2012 for a bargain £8.5 million, Lloris initially started as a deputy to Premier League great Brad Friedel. Shortly after, he took over as Spurs' main goalkeeper and has remained their number one ever since.
Lloris is well-known for his excellent reflexes in one-on-one situations. He is also a brilliant passer and is quick to rush out of his box whenever required. He has built a reputation for his vocal nature and leadership ability.
Although Lloris has yet to win any major trophies with Spurs, he did win the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018. Lloris led France to a stunning World Cup victory, beating Croatia in the final to crown Les Bleus the champions.
Entering his tenth year with the club, Lloris will be hoping to finish in the top-four with Spurs this season.
#4. Emiliano Martinez - Aston Villa
Emiliano Martinez has been a revelation since signing for Aston Villa.
The former Arsenal keeper joined Villa for a reported £20 million and has stepped up to the plate in style since. Used mostly as an understudy with Arsenal, it can be said that Martinez didn't get enough chances to prove himself with the Gunners.
With Bernd Leno's injury in June 2020, Martinez finally got his chance and took it with aplomb. He was thoroughly impressive until the end of the season and ended up winning the FA Cup with Arsenal.
Aston Villa were thoroughly impressed with Martinez and opted to sign the Argentinian immediately. Since joining, Martinez has only gotten better. He kept 15 clean sheets over the course of the season, equalling the club record.
Martinez is coming off the back of a successful Copa America campaign with Argentina: he was key to their success and also took home the Golden Glove for the competition. There is no doubt he will continue to impress next season with the Villains.
#3. Edouard Mendy - Chelsea
Edouard Mendy has earned himself a place in the hearts of Chelsea fans worldwide.
Chelsea had serious issues in their goalkeeping department after their club-record goalkeeper signing Kepa Arrizabalaga was unable to live up to expectations. In the market for a new goalie, the Blues opted to sign Mendy from Rennes for a reported £22 million.
Since joining, Mendy has been nothing short of magnificent. It's fair to say he has completely revitalized their defense, with his impact and influence being seen almost instantly.
Mendy was sublime in the Premier League and was somehow even better in the UEFA Champions League. Despite only making his first appearance in October, Mendy went on to finish second-highest on clean sheets in the Premier League. He also managed nine clean sheets in the Champions League, equalling the record in the competition.
Having settled in seamlessly, Mendy will certainly be a key contributor in deciding Chelsea's success next season.
#2. Alisson Becker - Liverpool
Alisson Becker is arguably one of the best goalkeepers in Liverpool's history.
With Liverpool facing difficulties with their goalkeepers, the need for a new signing was evident. The Liverpool board opted to sign Alisson Becker from Roma and the move has gone on to pay fruitful dividends.
Joining for a record £67 million, Alisson became the world's most expensive goalkeeper at the time. He has since gone on to take Liverpool's number one spot, replacing Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius.
Known for his brilliant passing ability and calmness under pressure, Alisson has built a reputation for pulling crunch saves out of nowhere. A commanding goalkeeper, Alisson has been exactly the signing Liverpool needed and then some.
Since joining Liverpool in 2018, Alisson has won both the Premier League and the Champions League in what is considered Liverpool's most successful period of the modern era. He has also won the Copa America with Brazil in 2019, as well as the Premier League Golden Glove in the same year.
With Liverpool having an overall underwhelming season, they will look to Alisson's consistency next season as they prepare to challenge for the Premier League once again.
#1. Ederson - Manchester City
Ederson Moraes has been an inspiration since joining Manchester City in 2017.
Signed for a reported £35 million, Ederson has won several major trophies with the Cityzens. Considered a bargain signing, Ederson has galvanized the City defense with his leadership and vocal nature.
Ederson is widely known for his outstanding shot-stopping abilities. Often quick to rush off his line, Ederson fits the model of the classic sweeper-keeper. He is often likened to a fifth defender at the back due to his constant involvement in the game.
Ederson is also one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers in the world. He boasts an excellent reading of the game and can often be seen playing long passes to release his attackers immediately after making a save, taking the opposition by surprise. Ederson even has two Premier League assists to his name.
In the four years since he arrived, Ederson has won three Premier League titles. He has also won four League Cups and one FA Cup. On the individual front, Ederson has been awarded the Golden Glove for the last two seasons after keeping the most clean sheets in the league.
No doubt an important member of the City squad, Ederson will be looking to make it a hat-trick of Golden Gloves as City prepare to defend their Premier League crown.
