Sam Johnstone tops charts for most saves in Europe’s top five leagues
Few West Brom players have impressed more than Sam Johnstone this season, and the goalkeeper tops the charts in saves this term.
His 103 stops rank him not only first in the Premier League, but also in Europe’s top five leagues.
That is some effort considering this is Johnstone’s debut season in such a competition, and he shows no sign of slowing down.
He is so eager to impress and because of our defensive frailties he is often called upon.
On Saturday he added six more saves to his total (SofaScore), and somehow kept a clean sheet despite facing two penalties.
Johnstone has come a long way as he was the subject of criticism at points last season.
If he was to stay at The Hawthorns he could create a legacy as one of the best goalkeepers to play for us in recent years, rivalling the likes of Ben Foster or Tomasz Kusack.
However, like the latter there is a risk that the 27-year-old will not be us for much longer.
Naturally, the keeper is determined to test himself at the highest level so if we go down we may struggle to keep him.
There is sure to be interest – Glenn Hoddle has tipped his former club Tottenham to take a look.
Johnstone’s contract expires in 2022 too so we hold little negotiating power, and may have to sell before his value plummets.
He revealed last week that he is happy at the club but we do not think we will be able to match his ambition.
We should appreciate the last of his performances while he is still here, therefore, and hope that we somehow pull off the great escape.
For that to happen we cannot simply rely on the shot-stopper alone.
We have improved defensively with two goals conceded in the last three games, but we will need to be even more resolute against Everton on Thursday.
In other West Brom news, ‘Outrageous’ – Sam Allardyce defends key figure in West Brom v Brighton flashpoint.