Sam Allardyce has described Cumbrian star Dean Henderson as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League at the moment.
The former top-flight manager feels Whitehaven-born Henderson has earned top status through his performances for Crystal Palace.
Allardyce believes Henderson is currently ahead of other top-flight glovemen such as David Raya at Arsenal.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, former England, Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, Everton, Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle United, Leeds United, Blackpool and Notts County manager Allardyce picked 28-year-old Henderson in his Premier League team of the season so far.
“This lad who I think is the best goalie – he proved it all last year and this year, and he doesn’t have to do as much because they’re doing so well at the top end of the league now – and that’s Henderson at Crystal Palace.
“I’ve got to pick the right word…he’s so confident. He believes, when somebody’s got a penalty [against him], that’s he’s going to save it.
“It’s bordering on a bit arrogant.”
Podcast guest Marc White, the Dorking Wanderers manager, agreed with Allardyce’s assessment of Palace No1 Henderson, adding: “He’s instrumental to that team.”
Former Carlisle United academy keeper Henderson has impressed for fifth-placed Palace this season, keeping nine clean sheets so far in the Premier League and Europa Conference League.
The ex-Manchester United keeper also kept a clean sheet when winning his fourth England cap in the Three Lions’ 2-0 win in Albania earlier this month.
Henderson, who has been a regular in Thomas Tuchel's England squads, will be back in Premier League action when Oliver Glasner's Palace face the keeper's former club Man Utd on Sunday at Selhurst Park.
The latest episode of the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast featuring Sam Allardyce can be found HERE.
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