PREMIER LEAGUE football is back on June 17 and thousands of fans can’t wait to see their heroes take to the turf once again.
The break has given most players a chance to recover from injuries and many teams will have full squads available to them come kick-off.
Most teams have stars vying for starting spots in each position apart from between the sticks where the No1 jersey is usually an automatic pick for most managers.
And here SunSport compiles a list of the top five goalkeepers ahead of the big return.
1. ALISSON
No brainer.
The soon-to-be Premier League champion has proved his worth on countless occasions for Liverpool this season.
Granted, he spends most games trying to remember what facing a shot feels like while his teammates dominate possession in the opposition’s half.
But maintaining concentration between the sticks for the best teams is a skill in itself and when called upon either with his hands or his feet, the Brazilian is world-class.
His absence earlier in the season saw Liverpool have their shakiest spell and though ex-West Ham man Adrian did a solid enough job in his place, his return saw them regain their world-beater look.
The 27-year-old has kept ten clean sheets from 20 Premier League appearances so far this season.
2. EDERSON
The best two goalkeepers play for the best two teams.
Alisson’s fellow Brazilian is equally gifted with his feet and just as capable facing shots between the posts for Manchester City.
His nine clean sheets from 25 League appearances mean he comes second to his countryman in this list as he is likely to in the final League table.
The 26-year-old’s fearless approach to his position has seen him cement his place as a fans’ favourite at the Etihad.
3. DEAN HENDERSON
Manchester United’s highest-ranked goalkeeper in the list.
Henderson is on loan at Sheffield United from the Red Devils and should be the starting stopper at Old Trafford next season if you ask some fans.
But politics will likely make that impossible with De Gea’s senior player status and whopping £350,000-a-week contract that he only signed last September.
However, 23-year-old Henderson has been a shining light in the most impressive of seasons for Chris Wilder’s Blades.
His rock solid performances and ten clean sheets from 27 Prem appearances this season put him head and shoulders above most other stoppers in the division.
The clanger against Liverpool at Bramall Lane earlier in the campaign is the only mark on Henderson’s copy book so far.
4. DAVID DE GEA
The Spaniard has probably had his toughest season since he joined United.
His form has rightfully been questioned with notable howlers against Everton and Watford.
But he will likely keep his spot next season and certainly will on June 17 as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been quick to leap to his defence when questioned before the football blackout.
Despite a few recent slip ups, De Gea is still one of the best keepers the Premier League has seen and at just 29 will hope to get back to the form United fans have come to expect.
The Spanish international has managed eight clean sheets from 29 League showings so far this season.
5. NICK POPE
The final spot was a tough one.
Martin Dubravka has shone at resolute Newcastle, Lukasz Fabianski is arguably West Ham’s biggest hope of survival and Ben Foster leads heartened Watford on and off the pitch.
Hell, even Crystal Palace’s Vicente Guaita was in with a shout.
But Burnley ace Pope, with a League high 11 clean sheets from 29 games is widely praised for his vital role in the Clarets’ ascent to tenth spot in the table.
Many argue he should be England’s No1 with only Gareth Southgate’s loyalty to Everton’s erratic Jordan Pickford standing in his way.
Ever since the 28-year-old stood in for injured Tom Heaton for Sean Dyche, the Turf Moor faithful have taken him to their hearts.
But they could soon be waving goodbye with Chelsea on the look out for a replacement for Kepa and Frank Lampard said to be a big fan.
