Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels is having a better season than Liverpool's Alisson Becker, Mail Sport's Ian Ladyman has claimed on the latest 'It's All Kicking Off!' podcast.
Debating co-host and pundit Chris Sutton over who should be considered this year's goalkeeper of the season, Football Editor Ladyman argued he would rank Sels above the title-winning Brazilian as the honour must be awarded based on 'who you play for'.
In 33 Premier League games, Sels has recorded 13 clean sheets and 108 saves, averaging three saves per match.
The Belgian conceded 39 goals during a season in which Nuno's Forest shocked pundits and fans alike by turning from relegation fodder to maintaining a position in the top four.
Ladyman told the podcast: 'Sels is leading the race for the Golden Glove. Do I think he is a better goalkeeper than Alisson? No. But this is about the level of performance relative to who you play for.
'I am not saying he's the best goalkeeper in the world, but, this season, he has been the best in the Premier League.'
Sutton backed Liverpool's stalwart goalkeeper, looking beyond the stats and instead privileging Alison's 'big saves in big moments'.
In comparison to Sels, Alisson has registered half the amount of saves in only nine fewer matches.
The Brazilian also recorded a lower save per match, at around two. However, that could be explained by Liverpool's better defence, featuring the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Tactically, Arne Slot's Reds look to control games whereas Forest have the lowest possession stats in the league, putting more pressure on Sels to keep them in games.
'I have changed my mind from the start of this season', Sutton revealed.
'I would say Alisson: he has been an outstanding goalkeeper, the best in the Premier League and the best in the world.
'This season, he's been great with his feet and makes those big saves in big moments.'
Columnist Ladyman also named the other keepers who should be considered for the award.
He said: 'Arsenal's David Raya has to be in that conversation. He's had an excellent season. I would even have Brentford's Mark Flekken in the conversation.'
Looking ahead to next week's episode, where the pair will debate their defence of the season, Ladyman mocked Sutton for a perceived bias towards Liverpool.
'I assume your back four will be, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, and Robertson.'
To hear why Chris Sutton believes Chelsea's Enzo Maresca could be sacked, listen to 'It's All Kicking Off!' now, wherever you get your podcasts.
lusdlnptuy
0
Simply because. He was talking about who’s better. I narrowed it down to the current season. Everyone knows Alisson is the better goalkeeper overall
my bad,great analysis
DanielEtele
0
your opinion and his opinion,why answer someones opinion as though yours is more important
Simply because. He was talking about who’s better. I narrowed it down to the current season. Everyone knows Alisson is the better goalkeeper overall
lusdlnptuy
0
This season. Sels
your opinion and his opinion,why answer someones opinion as though yours is more important
bubbilopuz
0
😁😁😁😁anything to try take away from liverpool you haters..well if he plays every single matches unlike allison injured alot and if Allison faces far less shots better liverpool has a better defense then what did you expect?Allison to save shots not coming to him?and why did ladyman(that name. 😁😁😁) left out that he also concedes more goals than Allison??because that would fit your liverpool hater narrative..
malablata
0
David Raya anyday and anytime.
DanielEtele
0
alisson better all day long but sels is great too...great
This season. Sels
lungoulenhkip
1
alisson better all day long but sels is great too...great