The standard of Premier League goalkeepers is ever-increasing, with the English top flight home to some of the best shot-stoppers in world football.
Now asked to use their feet as much as their hands, no.1s are a key part of any side in both attacking build-up and in keeping the ball out of their own net.
But who boasts the best man between the sticks in England’s Premier division? We took a look at the top 10 options.
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10. Kepa (Chelsea)
Kepa’s redemption arc at Chelsea has begun under Graham Potter and now Mauricio Pochettino, with the Spaniard now back to being the no.1 at Stamford Bridge as things stand.
In what was an awful season for the Blues, Kepa nonetheless had some standout moments, saving his side five more goals than was expected, the third best in the division. Now with Robert Sanchez for competition, Chelsea will be hoping that he can kick on after a rocky time to date in west London.
9. Bernd Leno (Fulham)
Fulham shot-stopper Bernd Leno played a massive part in their success last season, having been tipped to end the season in the bottom three. Instead, Marco Silva’s side finished inside the top half, a feat that the German no.1′s massive 142 saves helped secure.
8. Jordan Pickford (Everton)
That England’s no.1 finds himself way down this list perhaps shows just how many top goalkeepers there are in the Premier League, with Pickford by no means a poor option.
The Everton man has played a key role in Everton’s Premier League survival two seasons in a row, making plenty of crucial saves thrown in with some excellent long range passing to start counter attacks.
(Photo by Craig Thomas/News Images) 2R4J3GM Jordan Pickford #1 of Everton celebrates Everton avoiding relegation after the final whistle during the Premier League match Everton vs Bournemouth at Goodison Park, Liverpool, United Kingdom, 28th May 2023
(Photo by Craig Thomas/News Images) (Alamy Stock Photo)
7. Emi Martinez (Aston Villa)
Another ex-Arsenal shot-stopper on the list, Emiliano Martinez shot to prominence at Aston Villa and with Argentina, where his shoot-out saves helped his country lift the 2022 World Cup.
The 30-year-old managed an impressive 11 clean sheets last season despite managerial turbulence at Villa Park, while he was also heavily involved with the ball at his feet, making the second most passes of any goalkeeper in the top flight.
Emi Martinez’s task list 📋
– Save a penalty ✔️
– Show off dance moves ✔️ #BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/3exjmX5TnO— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 9, 2022
6. David Raya (Brentford)
Still a Brentford player for now, David Raya is seemingly certain to move on this summer amid interest from around Europe.
The Spaniard is undoubtedly one of the best in the division, topping last season’s metrics for saves and save percentage while keeping out five more goals than he should have been able to do according to expected goals.
Did you know: No Premier League goalkeeper made more passes than Raya last season (1475). The Spaniard made more than 200 more than next best Emi Martinez.
5. Nick Pope (Newcastle United)
More of an orthodox shot-stopper than a modern goalkeeper, Nick Pope has impressed for several seasons in the top flight, first with Burnley and more recently with Newcastle United.
The Englishman kept 14 clean sheets last season (the joint second-most in the League) and played a huge role in helping Newcastle qualify for the Champions League for the first time in two decades.
Fun fact: No one saved more penalties than Pope (2) last season. From five attempts from the spot, he conceded just twice.
4. Andre Onana (Manchester United)
Manchester United’s new signing showed the world what he was all about in the Champions League final, where he was Inter Milan’s man of the match. Several good saves were overshadowed by his excellent distribution, and the £50m deal that the Red Devils agreed this summer could quickly become a bargain for one of Serie A’s stars from last season.
3. Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Though his temprament is occasionally questioned, Ramsdale has become the most valuable goalkeeper in world football and it is clear to see why. Still just 25-years-old, he combines excellent shot-stopping with a brilliant range of passing and was a key part of Arsenal’s ultimately failed title push last season.
2. Ederson (Manchester City)
Though he endured one of his poorer seasons in a Manchester City shirt last season, Ederson showed his real quality in the Champions League final where he made several important saves to help his side to their first-ever European trophy.
The Brazilian managed 11 clean sheets last season and remains a vital part of Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions.
1. Alisson (Liverpool)
One of the main reasons that Liverpool even managed to finish fifth last season, Alisson is probably the best goalkeeper in world football for the way in which he combines excellent shot-stopping with his ability with his feet.
No one prevented more goals last season than the Brazilian by post-shot expected goals (10.1), while his ability as a sweeper-keeper was on show with no goalkeeper having more actions outside his own penalty area than Alisson (89).
Did you know? Alisson was one of just four Premier League goalkeepers that registered an assist last season (alongside Ederson, Jason Steele and Jordan Pickford)
