Two nations with a rich history of producing shot-stopping players: Brazil and Germany. Over the history of football these two nations have produced world-class goalkeepers. And at present there are two in the Premier League representing each nation: Bernd Leno of Germany playing for Arsenal and Ederson Moraes of Brazil playing for Manchester City.
The duo have made unassailable contribution to their respective teams and would be asked to do the same when Arsenal host Manchester City this Sunday. The duo will have a task on their heads as their defense still finds to retain lost shape.
Ederson Moraes is without the hand of Vincent Kompany which does seem to have take a toll on his clean sheets. The Brazilian has conceded goals in one way or the other with major blame to fall upon his defenders.
Bernd Leno, on-the-other-hand have struggled to produce a gigantic performance as he used to do on a regular basis last season. The German giant still has those fast reflexes and superman dives from last season but with a lesser enthusiasm.
By the standard of the competition between Arsenal and Manchester City, the necessity of each goalkeeper outperforming himself comes along. The teams have an attacking front and while both the teams will look to smash balls past the net, the mettle of goalkeepers will be tested harshly.
The better of the two? Tough call though but Ederson does win it by a small margin called clean sheets. The Brazilian has been able to make aplenty of clean sheets and has stood up every time his team has required him to. He may not be the very best in the world at present but he is great at what he does.
Bernd Leno is no bad either. In his day, Leno can easily make 10 odd saves which otherwise could be goals. The German has a strong fist which helps him keep the ball away from the goal and his height adds on to the reach of his arms. A mean goalkeeper that he is, to pass Leno is not some regular football stuff.
In a struggling Arsenal squad, Leno has stood tall as a pillar trying to help the attackers as much as he can with his defenders napping during the games. The experience of David Luiz and Sokratis have not helped the German and he should not expect anything from them against City too. The lone wolf that he has been, Leno would have to be strong between the posts.
Ederson Moraes too has had a little help from his defenders who have faltered to replace the injured likes of Aymeric Laporte and John Stones. Ederson will surely be tested a lot this time and if Arsenal’s attack ticks it will be difficult for him to increase his tally of clean sheets.
Also, the skills of either goalkeepers will have to be coupled with their reflexes if they want their teams to win. A good performance by the goalkeeper will ensure a mellow night for the club.
