In the physical and fast-paced world of Premier League football, it pays to have a goalkeeper who can dominate their penalty area, claiming high balls or punching crosses to safety to relieve the pressure on his defenders.
Such goalkeepers are in short supply, andcan providethe type of solid foundation that breathes confidence to the rest of the team.
Somewhat surprisingly, statistics show that Watford number one Heurelho Gomes, cruelly laughed out of the Premier League after his spell at Tottenham, is leading the division in both respects so far this season.
The Hornets have started the campaign well after an initial shaky start and have only conceded one more than Manchester United and twice more than Liverpool at the end of nine rounds of fixtures.
Part of that comes from Gomes' ability to command his penalty area. The Brazilian has successfully claimed a league-high 17 balls so far this season, three more than the next best stopper - West Brom'sBen Foster and Everton's Maarten Stekelenburg.
For those who would argue that Watford have faced more pressure than the top team, it's not drastically morethan Petr Cech of Arsenal, who has claimed 13 high ballsfor a Gunners side only being kept off the top of the tableby goal difference.
Gomes also jointly leads the Premier League in punches alongside Swansea stopperLukasz Fabianski - again, he's marginally ahead of Everton's Stekelenburg, with the Toffeescurrently in sixth place and defensively strong under fresh management.
Bravo Heurelho!
Premier League Goalkeepers With MostHigh Claimsin 2016/17:
Premier League Goalkeeper With MostPunchesin 2016/17:
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