GK's to Watch – Premier League Opening Day 2021/22
The domestic season is underway, and it has not disappointed so far. This weekend sees the return of the Premier League and with it the return of full capacities at topflight football in England since March 2021.
Opening weekend brings with it a clean slate and an even playing field. The intrigue of the first game of the season is unparalleled in football and we are casting an eye on certain goalkeepers over the weekend.
Here are our three Premier League goalkeepers to watch ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
Jordan Pickford - Everton
The Golden Glove winner of Euro 2020 and England’s outstanding performer in the historic tournament, Jordan Pickford is likely to be under the microscope of the British media again.
Pickford has been criticised in recent seasons for some mistakes made playing for Everton and whilst his international form has been impeccable, there will be a level of expectation that his England exploits will take his game to the next level.
Rafa Benitez kicks off his Everton tenure with at home to Southampton and will be a lucky man if he inherits the goalkeeper that helped England on their way to the final of the European Championship. However, a shocking error in the final preseason game with Manchester United would have left a few Toffees with trepidation.
Angus Gunn - Norwich City
Angus Gunn, son of legendary Norwich ‘keeper Bryan, is set for a second spell at Carrow Road after signing from Southampton this summer.
Norwich returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking last season but understand they must be better defensively having conceded 75 goals when they finished bottom in 2019/20.
Gunn, who spent last season on loan at Stoke, has clearly been brought in to give greater protection to the Canaries’ back-line. If Daniel Farke’s men are to avoid the indignity of a second relegation in three years, the twenty-five-year-old is going to have to have the season of his life.
Norwich begin their 2021/22 campaign against Liverpool. No pressure then...
Alisson - Liverpool
Angus Gunn’s opposite number on Saturday will be glad to have finished last season strongly after a disappointing 2020/21 campaign overall.
Alisson was immense in Liverpool’s barnstorming title victory in 2019/20 but had his fair share of poor moments during a shocking run of form for the former champions, particularly at Anfield.
The Brazilian, who unbelievably scored the winner at West Brom back in March, will need to have another incredible campaign as he did two years ago if Liverpool are to claim their Premier League title back from Manchester City.