De Gea, Cech and Butland must prove themselves again this season

With the 2012-13 season underway, goalkeepers will once more play an important role in their respective clubs’ fortunes. With some sides counting on experienced campaigners as a steady hand, others dipping into the transfer market to sign a new face and other brave teams putting their faith in a young prospect and their new Adidas football gloves, these men between the sticks will have a chance to prove their worth in 2012-13.

David De Gea

Manchester United stopper David De Gea will be keen to show any doubters that he is a worthy candidate for the Old Trafford No1 jersey this term, after receiving some criticism last season. The Spanish teenager swapped the Vicente Calderon of Atletico Madrid for the goalkeeping shrine of United last summer, with the likes of Schmeichel, Van der Sar and others leading lights to aspire to.

With such small margins deciding the Premier League title last term, a mistake in a big game can be costly. One of Manchester City’s title-winning superstars was Joe Hart, and ever-dependable hand who pulled off spectacular individual performances last term to undoubtedly win his side points. De Gea will look to continue his progression with United this season, and prove his ability as one of the top performers in his position in the country.

Petr Cech

Chelsea have had something of a revamp of their squad this summer, with older heads such as Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa leaving the Stamford Bridge club to be replaced with young and exciting prospects from across the footballing globe. One man whose position at the west London club seems assured is Petr Cech, but with his performances last term not living up to campaigns previously, the Czech Republic international needs a strong 2012-13.

With Belgian youngster Thibaut Courtois picking up top-class experience on loan at Atletico Madrid, Cech will be wary that Chelsea have a prodigious talent ready to take over the reigns once he is deemed to be surplus to requirements. With the Blues eager to battle for the Premier League also, Cech needs a top-drawer campaign.

Jack Butland

It has been a whirlwind six months for 19-year-old Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland, as the teenager was included in England’s Euro 2012 squad, represented Team GB at the Olympics and made his senior debut at international level against Italy in a friendly recently. With continual speculation over where the star of the future will play his club football in 2012-13, Butland has a real chance to shine this term.

Butland has stated that he is happy playing in the Championship with the St Andrews club, but with a number of leading Premier League clubs keeping an eye on the 19-year-old there is still a chance he could make a move before the close of the transfer window. A continuation to the impressive start to his career, and Butland could well become a household name for club and country in 2012-13.