Illan Meslier broke a 14-year-old Premier League record last night, becoming the first U21 goalkeeper to keep 8 clean sheets in a single season.
At just 20 year old, The Frenchman is seen as one of the top prospects in the goalkeeping world.
In this article we take a look at some of the up-and-coming young goalkeepers in the Premier League to keep an eye out for.
Marcelo Pitaluga
Club: Liverpool
Age: 18
Pitaluga was only 17 when he signed for Liverpool from Brazilian side Fluminense in October 2020. The young Brazilian had been recommended by Alisson’s brother who he had worked with in the Fluminense setup. He has already shown promise on the international stage, lifting the U17 FIFA World Cup with Brazil, 2 years ago. The future looks bright for Pitaluga who will hope to follow in the footsteps of fellow compatriot, Alisson.
Arthur Okonkwo
Club: Arsenal
Age: 19
The young academy graduate has been at Arsenal since he was 7 years old and is now setting his sights on challenging for one of the three goalkeeper spots at the club. He has recently started training with the first team and has made multiple appearances for England at U18 level. On first inspection, Okonkwo seems to be the perfect modern keeper standing at 6ft 4in and is comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Ákos Onódi
Club: Aston Villa
Age: 19
Unlike the first 2 goalkeepers on this list, Onódi has a first team appearance to his name. Due to a Covid crisis the young keeper was called upon to face reigning champions Liverpool in the FA Cup. Despite conceding 4 goals in the match he received many plaudits after making a number of good saves in the match. Coincidentally, Onódi had previously been on trial at Liverpool but was unsuccessful. The young Hungarian has also represented his country at U19 level and it may only be a couple of years until we see him in action in the Premier League.
Zan-Luk Leban
Club: Everton
Age: 18
Zan-Luk Leban signed for Everton in 2019 from Polish side FCB Escola Varsovia. The youngster had registered interest from some of Europe’s top teams prior to this, being a part of Barcelona’s academy and having trials at Manchester United. Leban’s Everton career has been hindered by injury’s so far but he is now back between the posts, having played 13 games in the U18 Premier league this season.
Marcus Dewhurst
Club: Sheffield United
Age: 19
Dewhurst is looking to follow a similar path to England keepers Dean Henderson and Aaron Ramsdale who have been given first team opportunities for ‘The Blades’. He only recently returned to Sheffield in January, after a loan spell at League Two Carlisle. Dewhurst has also made an impact on the international stage but not for reasons that would usually be associated with a goalkeeper. The Englishman got on the scoresheet for the U18’s, equalising late on against the Spanish national team.
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