West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has received his fair share of criticism so far in this campaign and has been somewhat at fault for some of the goals the side have conceded in the first few weeks of the season.
However, in the last couple of months his form has been outstanding. At still just 26-years-old, which is young for a goalkeeper, there is plenty of potential with Johnstone.
The game against Preston North End on Monday evening only highlighted his quality even further. In a game which Albion won 1-0, it was a game of tight margins and Johnstone made significant contributions when called upon.
Charlie Austin stole the headlines as he scored the winning penalty but nothing should be taken away from Johnstone and the impact he had on the match.
Johnstone who cost around £6.5million in 2018 saved the Baggies and not for the first time in Lancashire with a stunning reflex save to deny Daniel Johnson in the second half.
It was a real Save of the Season contender and kept Albion in the game. The former Manchester United man has made some errors however there is no doubting that he is a top quality shot stopper and with West Brom looking to achieve automatic promotion, his form could prove to be vital over the course of the campaign.
Despite some supporters having been critical of Johnstone, there were plenty of fans quick to praise his performance against Preston and in particular the save from Daniel Johnson.
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Quality again Sam!
— Gary Hales (@GaryHalesgk1) December 3, 2019
Absolutely quality again Sammy ⚽️
— Will (@Will_Ellis17) December 3, 2019
Your confidence is showing now. That save was a different level. Keep up the good work. 🧤👌🏻
— Leanne (@lensawag1) December 3, 2019
World class save Sam and another clean sheet for you and the team. Keep up the great work Sam. Proud of you.
— Manish Patel (@Baggies20) December 3, 2019