A top goalkeeper is the foundation of a good defense, and a good defense is essential to winning titles. With that in mind, here are the top five goalkeepers of the Premier League era.
5. David De Gea: 344 appearances, 123 clean sheets
De Gea was chosen as the replacement for Edwin Van Der Sar by Sir Alex Ferguson, and the Spaniard is still the number one at Manchester United. He is the best-paid goalkeeper in the Premier League, and continues to stake his claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the world today.
4. David Seaman: 344 appearances, 141 clean sheets
The England shotstopper won the Premier League twice with Arsenal, and was capped by England 75 times. He was the PFA’s goalkeeper of the year for the 1996/97 season.
3. Edwin Van Der Sar: 313 appearances, 132 clean sheets
Van Der Sar was recruited as the replacement for Peter Schmeichel at Manchester United, and the Dutchman went on to enjoy a very successful spell with United. He became the oldest player to win a Premier League title, in 2010/11.
2. Petr Cech: 443 appearances, 202 clean sheets
The Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper is an undisputed Premier League legend, and has won the Golden Glove with both London clubs. He has kept a record 202 clean sheets in the English top flight and currently works as technical director at Chelsea.
1. Peter Schmeichel: 310 appearances, 128 clean sheets
Schmeichel was at the heart of the Manchester United team that won the treble in 1998/99. He spent seven years with the Red Devils and won the Premier League title in all but two seasons with the club, including two doubles.
