No. 1 Man: Power Ranking the 20 Best First Choice Goalkeepers in the EPL
The goalkeeper position is easily the most vital, toughest and underrated position. Their presence single-handedly thwarts and determines whether an all important goal will be conceded, most of the time.
The nerves and composure a goalkeeper must have would be immense and the ever present thought of, "If I make a mistake, there is only one conclusion" must always be lingering in a keepers mindset.
Yes being a shot stopper is not easy in fact it barely seems worth the effort. A goalkeeper can go from hero to zero in a matter of seconds. Every other position can afford and does make numerous errors a match yet will they be remembered come the final whistle?
It's clear, you have to be a special person to be a goalkeeper.
The English Premier League is renown as the strongest and toughest league in World Football. The EPL boast the fittest, powerful strikers in Europe alongside some of the best dead ball specialist and penalty kick takers. Furthermore the league commands the most viewership world wide.
It must be fun to be a goalkeeper in the English Premier League.
Millions of fans watching your every move whilst up against Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Didier Drogba and Samir Nasri. So in recognition in what a sterling job every keeper does world wide, this article attempts to power rank the top 20 first team keepers in the Premier League.
These men have the daunting task previously mentioned, but who tops the lists?
20. Matthew Gilks-Blackpool
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The Blackpool first choice is by no means a bad keeper due to his lowest place ranking. The Englishman has endured an injury stricken season stemming his appearances to just 11 for the Seasiders. Deputy Richard Kingson performed solidly in his absent.
The 28-year-old was influential in Blackpool's promotion to the Premier League and Gilk's first season in the EPL has been strong in his short stints with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool both keeping an eye on the former Norwich City keeper's progress.
Gilks previously spent seven seasons with Rochdale where the veteran played in both League Two and the English third division and has worked tirelessly to get to his position Gilks now vacates.
19. Tim Krul-Newcastle
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The young Newcastle keeper is certainly has a promising path ahead of him on both the domestic and international scale. The 23-year-old has performed admirably and impressively in his first full season in the Premier League and as the Magpies No. 1.
Injuries have quelled his form this season but there is no denying the calibre of the young Dutchman who will certainly attract the attention of other clubs.
18. Wayne Hennnessey
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The Welsh keeper has been at Wolves since 2006 where Hennessey was a dominant force in the Championship, becoming one of the most regarded lower league keepers. However since Mick McCarthy's men introduction back in the Premier League in 2009-2010, American shot-stopper Marcus Hahnemann became the first choice gloveman at the Molineux.
There was no denying the 24-year-old's talent, but Hahnemann's experience and leadership was invaluable for Wolves. After predominantly featuring in the opening months of the season, Hahnemann's place has diminished with Hennessey emerging as the key Wolverhampton keeper in recent months.
The Welshman has been in strong form for Wolves despite their poor form this season with 21 appearances for Mick McCarthy. The former Manchester City keeper has been in sublime touch which has attracted attention from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Hennessey is touted as a huge figure in Wales's future and is destined to remain in the Premier League regardless of Wolves's finish
17. Robert Green-West Ham
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A no nonsense experience keeper whose unfortunate error for England in the 2010 World Cup will always taint his reputation. Green is a veteran of the English game have performed 427 times in the Premier League, Championship and Football League One with Norwich City and West Ham respectively.
Currently the 31-year-old is with the Hammers and is one of the main leaders in Avram Grant's squad. Unfortunately, it has been a horrific season for the London giants who sit last on the EPL table and look destined for relegation.
None the less, Robert Green will continue to fight to end, giving his all to ensure West Ham remain in the Premier League.
16. Asmir Begovic-Stoke City
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A young, up and coming keeper who has a glistening future, Asmir Begovic has thrived since joining Stoke City in February 2010 from Portsmouth.
Touted as one of the best young keepers in the Premier League, the 23-year-old managed to overtake Thomas Sorensen in the Potters keeping ranks this season and has continued to prove his promise.
In his first full season at the front of the helm, Begovic has made 28 appearances for Tony Pulis alongside continuing good form for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Certainly one for the future.
15. Scott Carson-West Bromwich Albion
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The sturdy presence in between the West Bromwich Albion goal, who has endured criticism, form drops and relegation with a terrific attitude. Carson took his time to prominently establish himself as a dominant keeper but has thrived since coming to West Bromwich Albion in 2008.
With over 100 appearances for the Baggies and three national English caps to his name, Carson is a very respectable keeper who rarely receives the adequate recognition he deserves.
14. Craig Gordon-Sunderland
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Injuries have always been present since the Scottish keeper joined the Premier League with Sunderland in 2007, but the 28-year-old has always managed to maintain a high level of quality as the Sunderland keeper. An outstanding regular for the Scotland National Team in which Gordon has 40 appearances to his name, the former Hearts shot stopper is a well respected keeper.
Not the strongest of seasons in 2010/2011 with injuries the main factor, reducing his efforts to just 15, but when fully fit, Craig Gordon is a superb goalkeeper.
13. Jussi Jääskeläinen-Bolton
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A Bolton legend. The Finland international has been at the Reebok since 1997 and has amassed over 500 appearances for the Trotters and has overseen numerous managers, criticism and yo-yo like season since his move.
One of the veterans of the EPL, the 36-year old is easily one of the most undervalued keepers in World Football and will leave a huge hole in the Bolton back line when Jaaskelainen finally retires.
12. Ali Al-Habsi-Wigan Atheltic (On Loan from Bolton)
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It has certainly been a rapid rise for the Omani keeper this season. After completing a season-long loan move to Wigan Athletic, the first Omani player to play in Europe, has become a renowned shot stopper who has performed immensely ensuring the Latics are still a chance to avoid relegation.
After several seasons being forced to deputize for Jussi Jaaskelainen, the 29-year-old has been able to show his promise and will continue to dominate as he attempts to save Wigan from relegation. Even if Al-Habsi can't big name clubs are more than interested.
11. Paul Robinson-Blackburn
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Another English veteran who has performed at his peak in the toughest league on Earth and on the international stage. Paul Robinson has over 330 appearances in the EPL and has thwarted some of the best attackers ever to grace World Football.
A natural leader and a consistent professional, the 31-year-old has been a no nonsense force for Blackburn in what can be considered a disappointing season.
10. Heurelho Gomes-Tottenham
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An undoubtedly quality keeper who has the unfortunate habit of making costly errors on occasion but none the less performs at an admirable calibre. The 30-year-old has brilliant reflexes and was a force in the Dutch League before moving to the Premier League in 2008.
The Brazilian international boast a superb attitude and impressively endures the criticism that is often bestowed upoun him for his lapses in form. Should Gomes eradicate the tainting errors and find prime consistency, then the Brazilian will surely become one of the world's best.
9. Wojciech Szczesny-Arsenal
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Easily one of the best young goalkeepers in World Football. At just 20 years old, Szczesny has risen to promise in just his first season as the Arsenal first choice. The Polish keeper was always highly touted by Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal academy but was not expected to feature the way he has.
However, injuries to the likes of Lukasz Fabianski, Manuel Almunia and Vito Mannone has ensured Szczesny receievd an opportunity which the Polish international has taken with both hands and single handily eradicated Arsenal's keeping conundrum.
In 21 appearances, the young gun has kept nine clean sheets and shown great leadership and composure. The future of the Arsenal keeping ranks.
8. Ben Foster-Birmingham City
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After taking some time to properly establish himself, Foster has risen and risen in the last few seasons, becoming one of the strongest and renowned keepers in the Premier League. The former Manchester United keeper is a consistent force for Birmingham City and instills confidence into Alex McLiesh's side.
The 28-year-old performed heroically in the Carling Cup Final which Birmingham defeated Arsenal, securing their first silverware in over half a century. The 28-year-old is another no nonsense defender who can always be called upon to perform when necessary.
7. Mark Schwarzer-Fulham
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Possibly the most underrated keeper in the Premier League. The Australian is one of the most reliable and composed presences in the EPL and has been for some time. Boasting over 350 appearances for Middlesbrough and over 100 for Fulham, the 38-year-old is an admirable presence who many young keepers aspire to become, particularly in Australia.
Quietly spoken, Schwarzer's efforts will probably never be truly rewarded for the effort and calmness he brings to both Fulham and Australia, but there is no denying his ability.
6. Tim Howard-Everton
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The cool headed American is a terrific keeper who boasts one of the safest hands in the Premier League. Calm and collected the Everton keeper has been a mainstay at Goodison park for some time now and continues to perform at the highest level for both David Moyes and the American national team.
Over 200 appearances in the Premier League, the 32-year-old still has much to give Everton, although many clubs continually chase the former Manchester United keeper, and one hopes he achieves the triumphs Howard desires.
5. Petr Cech-Chelsea
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The Czech Republic will always have his career tainted by the horrific head injury sustained in 2006 that forces Cech to wear a head gear when he plays alongside stealing the terrific form the 28-year-old use to boast.
No doubt the Czech captain is still one of the best keepers in World Football, Chelsea have thrived with his presence in the goal as at times there is no stronger or cooler keeper in the League then Petr Cech.
With over 295 appearances for the Blues and two EPL medals plus 81 international caps, the Chelsea shot stopper has enjoyed a stellar career already.
4. Brad Friedel-Aston Villa
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There is nothing more reassuring for Aston Villa fans then seeing the ancient, bald Brad Friedel walk onto the pitch before a match. The American is one of the oldest and yet strongest keepers in World Football and still has much to give to the EPL.
The 39-year-old has been in the Premier League since 1997, and many regard the American as one of the greatest to appear in the EPL. Composed, strong, imposing and defiant, everybody loves Brad Friedel.
3. Joe Hart-Manchester City
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Always destined for success, Joe Hart has grown beyond his expected promise and become one of the best keepers in the Premier League, and the Englishman is only 24. The jubilant keeper boast a fine array of keeping skills and many tout the English international to become World Football's best keeper.
Rightly so, after a stellar season on loan with Birmingham City in 2009/2010, where Hart achieved the PFA Premier League keeper of the year, the young gun has gone from strength to strength as the Manchester City number one, continually keeping out the hugely renowned and quality Shay Given (yes he still exists).
The future for England.
2. Pepe Reina-Liverpool
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A World Cup Champion and arguably one of the greatest Liverpool keepers of all time, Pepe Reina upholds a high standard of keeping at Anfield and still has a lengthy spell ahead of him boasting only 28 years of age.
With over 300 Reds appearances and numerous individual achievements, Reina has long been one of the most respected and impressive keepers in World Football. A strong leader and an even better performer, every team wants Pepe Reina.
1. Edwin Van Der Sar-Manchester United
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Obviously.
At 40, Edwin Van Der Sar still manages to remain as the best keeper in the Premier League and add to his overwhelming trophy cabinet. A three-time Premier League Champion, UEFA Champions League winner, four times named the European Keeper of the Year, Premier League Goalkeeper of the year on three occasions, an FA Cup Champion, Dutch League Champion on four occasions, the Dutch Goalkeeper of the Year, the list is endless.
A superb figure in the Manchester United goal, Edwin Van Der Sar's presence will be so hugely missed when he retires at the conclusion of the season.
