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Who were the best goalkeepers last season? Lloris, Mignolet and more

Hugo Lloris Euro 2012 Penalty (Станислав Ведмидь)
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Cardiff City, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Stoke City, Tottenham Hotspur and West Brom stars all feature.

There were plenty of brilliant and world class goalkeeping performances over the course of last season, as Manchester City secured the title and Norwich, Cardiff and Fulham all went down to the Championship.

In the case of Cardiff, David Marshall can consider himself very unlucky because he produced some of the best exhibitions of ‘keeping you are likely to see from a modern day ‘keeper.

We’ve taken a look at the best performers in five key areas related to goalkeeping.

Saves

ClubPosSavesAppsMins
David MarshallCardiffGK153373,330
Vito MannoneSunderlandGK131292,567
John RuddyNorwichGK125383,420
Julian SperoniCrystal PalaceGK116373,330
Tim HowardEvertonGK112373,263

Marshall made more saves than any other goalkeeper last season, which probably isn’t too surprising considering Cardiff went down. He showed great awareness and skill under pressure.

Punches

ClubPosPunchesAppsMins
Hugo LlorisSpursGK36373,330
Simon MignoletLiverpoolGK29383,420
Wojciech SzczesnyArsenalGK27373,330
Joe HartMan CityGK26312,790
Tim KrulNewcastleGK18363,240

Tottenham’s goalkeeper made more punches than anyone else. It shouldn’t be a major surprise because Lloris is one of the best in the business when it comes to looking for active ways he can take the pressure off of his own defence.

High Claims

ClubPosTotal High ClaimAppsMins
Brad GuzanAston VillaGK103383,420
Julian SperoniCrystal PalaceGK78373,330
Asmir BegovicStokeGK76322,880
John RuddyNorwichGK72383,420
Wojciech SzczesnyArsenalGK68373,330

Brad Guzan was superb coming out of goal to claim the ball, another way that goalkeepers take the pressure off of their defence. The American is a very vocal and organised player in Aston Villa’s defence.

Accurate Goal Kicks

ClubPosAccurate Goal KicksAppsMins
Asmir BegovicStokeGK198322,880
Tim HowardEvertonGK190373,263
Simon MignoletLiverpoolGK190383,420
Wojciech SzczesnyArsenalGK183373,330
David MarshallCardiffGK171373,330

It’s clear to see why Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with moves for Stoke’s Asmir Begovic this season. No other ‘keeper was able to launch the ball up field from a goal kick with greater accuracy, instantly starting attacks.

Penalties Saved

ClubPosPenalty SaveAppsMins
Ben FosterWest BromGK2242,148
Tim HowardEvertonGK2373,263
Asmir BegovicStokeGK1322,880
Brad GuzanAston VillaGK1383,420
Hugo LlorisSpursGK1373,330

West Brom’s Foster and Everton’s Howard lead the way in this category saving two penalties apiece last season. They are the standouts when it comes to a ‘keeper who can hold his composure when facing a shot from 12 yards.