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The last line of defence on the football pitch, often overlooked and undermined by commentators and man of the match selectors. However in YTM a goalkeeper can often be one of the biggest assets for a team. Granted, he will need the help of his defence, but it is the men restricted to their 18 yards of pitch who are held most responsible for the coveted Clean Sheet. Here is a tribute blog to the minders of the net!

There is such a fine line between a goal and a clean sheet. Goals are costly, and clean sheets work wonders in YTM. The poor goalies are saddled with pressure, but they still perform week in and week out. It is time a tribute was paid to the lonely man at the back. The goalkeeper.

The top contenders for the crown are often from the big teams.

Jose Reina has been the top goal keeper in YTM for the last two years running. This is partly due to Liverpool’s phenomenal defence, but mainly due to the fact that Reina is an awesome shot stopper. If you could choose anybody to face up against a penalty, it would be the young Spaniard.

Van der Sar has always been near the top as well, and is currently streaks ahead from any of his glove wielding buddies. He has secured the highest number of clean sheets so far this year, and the big Dutchman is looking as agile as he did over ten years ago.

A new entry to YTM is Manchester City’s new wonder boy, Kasper Schmeichel. Although new to the scene everybody will remember the amazing feats performed by his father. He has already kept a number of clean sheets and managed to thwart a Van Persie penalty. A late introductory into the game, but one that will be earning thousands of spots into the teams if he keeps up performing like his father.

Last year’s surprise package was Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann - and although he does not have the best team in front of him, he has made another bright start to the season, and is a sure pick for some good points.

Portsmouth’s David James. David “Calamity” James. Sometimes unbeatable, other times unforgivable. Many will question how he ever managed to don the England number 1, he makes a few to many costly errors to be in serious contention for the best shot-stopper. Add to team at own risk.

A number of the other main flight goalies have been out due to injuries, Arsenal’s Jens Lehman is just returning to first team football, Villa’s Sorensen has yet to make an appearance and Newcastle’s Given has just started to warm the bench after his injury. All of these keepers are top notch but will not be included in too many teams because of their lack of starts.

So remember that your YTM team is only as good as the man between the poles!

Chris @ YTM