The goalkeeper is one of the most crucial players in a football team, playing a unique and vital role in the game. A keeper is the final barrier between the opposing team and the goal. Without a skilled and top-class keeper, the defence is vulnerable to goals, even if the rest of the players defend well. A goalkeeper’s ability to make crucial saves can significantly influence the outcome of a match.
Modern goalkeepers are often involved in initiating attacks. With their strong distribution skills, they can launch quick counterattacks by accurately passing the ball to midfielders or forwards. Some goalkeepers even take on the role of a “sweeper keeper”, coming out of their box to clear balls or intercept through balls from the opposition.
The rankings below are based on following criteria:
- Performances, potential. and consistency
- Importance and relevance to his team
- Success or trophies won
The stats mentioned below have been accumulated from Premierleague.com and Fbref.com.
Let’s take a look at the best goalkeepers in the Premier League this season –
10. Bernd Leno (Fulham)
Bernd Leno has been a massive presence between the sticks for Fulham this season. He started every game for the Cottagers and helped in building from the back and commanding his box.
Leno is a German goalkeeper with great shot-stopping abilities and reflexes. He can also release the ball quickly during counter-attacks. However, he needs improvement on accurately launching long passes. Leno is also good at saving penalties.
This season Leno has kept 5 clean sheets, conceded 54 goals, made 110 saves, saved 1 penalty, made 17 sweeper clearances, 21 high claims and 167 throw outs in 38 appearances. He had a save percentage of 67.8% and a clean sheet percentage of 13%. Leno also has an assist to his name this season.
Leno has been a reliable presence at the back for Marco Silva’s side. The 33-year-old defender made a massive 100+ saves for the club this season which resulted in Fulham pushing for European places for most part of the season this year. It was thanks to the German shot-stopper that made it difficult for the opposition attackers to score against them.
9. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Bournemouth)
Kepa Arrizabalaga had a superb season with the Cherries, almost helping them push for European football with consistent performances throughout the season.
Arrizabalaga has certainly made positive strides in goalkeeping since his stint at Chelsea. He is a more assured shot-stopper, has better reflexes and positioning as well. He is also comfortable on the ball and can play out from the back. He needs to improve on his decision making when going to collect the ball from crosses or high balls which still remains his Achilles heel.
This season, Kepa has kept 8 clean sheets, conceded 39 goals, made 97 saves, made 20 sweeper clearances, 18 high claims and 122 throw outs in 31 appearances. He had a save percentage of 73.9% and a clean sheet percentage of 25.8%.
Kepa has undoubtedly improved by leaps and bounds this season, proving himself to be a reliable and consistent presence between the posts. His contributions have been instrumental to the Cherries, who not only enjoyed their highest-ever points tally in the Premier League but also delivered impressive performances against some of the league’s top clubs.
8. Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
Dean Henderson has been magnificent for the Eagles this season. Henderson has been top-class, providing match-winning saves for the Eagles time and time again. The English goalkeeper has finally found a safe haven with the Eagles where he has been entrusted with regular starts to prove his credentials.
Henderson is another top-quality goalkeeper with great shot-stopping ability, reflexes and agility. He is also good with distribution – both with his hands and feet. He is also a calm and composed goalkeeper who keeps his backline in position during opposition attack.
This season, Henderson has kept 11 clean sheets, conceded 51 goals, made 104 saves, saved 1 penalty, 25 sweeper clearances, 28 high claims and 115 throw outs in 38 league appearances. He had a save percentage of 66.7% and a clean sheet percentage of 28.9%.
Henderson has been vital to the Eagles as their last line of defence and was also part of the team that won their first ever trophy – the FA Cup this season. Though Henderson’s numbers can certainly improve, he has been influential in goal for the Eagles and managed to keep 10+ clean sheets this season.
7. Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
Emi Martínez has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world for many seasons now. The two-time Yashin Trophy winner has been a reliable presence at the back for the Villans and this season hasn’t been any different.
Martínez is an exceptional shot-stopper with an imposing presence in the box. He is an aggressive goalkeeper who excels in saving penalties as well. Martínez also has a habit of playing mind games with the opposition forwards during penalties or shootouts that mostly works in his favour but hasn’t really endeared him to the opposition fans.
This season, Martínez has kept 8 clean sheets, conceded 45 goals, made 100 saves, saved 1 penalty, made 24 sweeper clearances, 52 high claims and 132 throw outs in 37 league games. He had a save percentage of 69% and clean sheet percentage of 21.6%.
Although the veteran goalkeeper wasn’t at his absolute best this season, he still played a crucial role in helping Aston Villa secure key victories and mount another strong push for Champions League qualification. As the Argentine shot-stopper prepares for a potential departure from Villa Park, there’s no doubt that the club will feel the absence of a world-class presence between the posts. Despite a dip in form, his quality remains undeniable—and several top European clubs are likely to express interest in securing his signature.
6. Nick Pope (Newcastle United)
England International Nick Pope had a great season for the Magpies. The Tyneside club had a successful season, securing Champions League qualification for next season and also winning their first trophy – the League Cup in 70 years.
Nick Pope is a dynamic modern-day goalkeeper who possesses great shot-stopping ability but also likes to play as a sweeper-keeper. He actively engages in defending outside the box, making crucial interceptions and blocks. His ability to stay comfortable on the ball makes him a vital asset as he is equally adept at both defending and building attack from the back. Pope is great at distribution with precise long balls as well.
This season, Nick Pope has kept 8 clean sheets, conceded 35 goals, made 88 saves, saved 1 penalty, 31 sweeper clearances, 37 high claims and 192 throw outs in 28 league appearances for the Magpies. His save percentage was 71.7% and clean sheet percentage was 28.6%.
Nick Pope is widely regarded as one of England’s most talented goalkeepers, boasting all the attributes of a top-class modern-day shot-stopper. His consistent and commanding performances have been instrumental in Newcastle United’s qualification for the Champions League, providing a reliable presence between the posts.
With the Magpies set to compete on the European stage next season, all eyes will be on Pope to see if he can maintain his high standards against some of the continent’s elite clubs and further solidify his reputation at the highest level.
5. Mark Flekken (Brentford)
Mark Flekken has been solid as the last line of defence for the Bees this season. The Dutch goalkeeper has been exceptional between the sticks and helped the Bees end the season in the top half of the Premier League table.
Flekken is a top shot-stopper with great positioning and quick reflexes. He is a ball playing goalkeeper who can help his team build from the back with short and long passes, helping his team transition from defence to attack very quickly. He is a very calm and composed goalkeeper who is also very authoritative on corners and set-pieces.
This season, Flekken has kept 7 clean sheets, conceded 55 goals, made 153 saves, 15 sweeper clearances, 43 high claims and 122 throw outs in 37 appearances. Flekken had a save percentage of 73.4% and a clean sheet percentage of 18.9%. In addition, Flekken also had 2 assists to his name this season.
Thanks to his standout performances for the Bees this season, Mark Flekken attracted attention from clubs across Europe and has now completed a move to Bayer Leverkusen. While Brentford will surely miss his presence between the sticks, Leverkusen have secured a top-class goalkeeper who is certain to strengthen their defensive line.
4. Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
Alisson Becker has been Liverpool’s most reliable and impressive last line of defence for more than seven seasons now. The Brazilian shot-stopper missed a few games this season with injury but returned just in time to help his side win the Premier League title.
Alisson is a world-class goalkeeper with exceptional shot-stopping, agility, strength and positioning. His ability to defend 1v1 opportunities is second to none. Add to that the sweeping ability along with distribution and we have a near perfect goalkeeper. His only weakness could be his inability to save penalties.
This season, Alisson has kept 9 clean sheets, conceded 29 goals, made 78 saves, 27 sweeper clearances, 11 high claims and 128 throw outs in 28 league appearances. He has a save percentage of 72% and clean sheet percentage of 32.1%.
Alisson Becker has faced injury setbacks in recent seasons, but he continues to deliver top-level performances whenever he takes to the pitch. With Liverpool securing the services of talented Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, there is now genuine competition for the starting spot. However, given Alisson’s proven quality, experience, and consistency, it will be a significant challenge for anyone to displace him as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper next season.
3. Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Everton’s best player for the past few seasons, their goalkeeper Jordan Pickford delivered world-class performances yet again for the Toffees. Pickford has produced exceptional numbers saving Everton time and time again.
Pickford is an excellent shot-stopper with great reflexes, agility and strong penalty saving abilities. Pickford is also great at launching long ball forwards to help beat the opposition press and create attacking opportunities. He is only susceptible with his positioning sometimes but apart from that Pickford has proven himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.
This season Pickford has kept 12 clean sheets, conceded 44 goals, made 122 saves, saved 2 penalties, had 34 sweeper clearances, 28 high claims and 161 throw outs in 38 league appearances. Pickford had a save percentage of 73% and a clean sheet percentage of 31.6% this season. He also has an assist to his name.
Pickford’s outstanding performances were a key factor in Everton steering clear of relegation danger. He has been a world-class and consistently reliable presence for the Toffees once again this season, playing a crucial role in securing their place in the Premier League for another year.
2. David Raya (Arsenal)
David Raya has proved for the past two seasons why coach Mikel Arteta was adamant about bringing the Spanish keeper to the Emirates. Having won back-to-back PL Golden Glove and helping Arsenal to Champions League qualification, Raya has been a wall at the back for the Gunners.
Raya is another example of the modern-day sweeper-keeper. He likes to play from the back, likes to clean up defensively outside the box in case of counter-attacks by the opposition and can also help build up attack from the back. Raya also possesses great reflexes and shot-stopping ability, often making match-saving stops. He is also adept at saving penalties, making him a complete goalkeeper.
This season Raya has kept 13 clean sheets, conceded 34 goals, made 33 sweeper clearances, 51 high claims and 178 throw outs in 38 league appearances. Raya had a save percentage of 74.2% and a clean sheet percentage of 34.2%.
The Spanish goalkeeper has played a pivotal role for the Gunners, helping transform them into one of the most defensively solid teams not only in the Premier League but across Europe’s top leagues. His consistently outstanding performances earned him the joint Golden Glove award this season, firmly establishing his place among the elite goalkeepers in the league.
1. Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)
Matz Sels has been crucial to Nottingham Forest’s surprising revival this season. From relegation fight to pushing for Champions League football, the Tricky Trees looked like an unbreachable force thanks to their imposing goalkeeper between the sticks.
The Belgian goalkeeper is a commanding figure at the back, he is an incredible shot-stopper who has exceptional reflexes and agility for a 33-year-old. He is an intelligent reader of the game with precise positioning and ability to make big saves under pressure. He is also good with 1v1 saves and only claiming the ball from set-pieces is an area where he can improve as he isn’t as proactive with incoming crosses.
This season Sels has kept 13 clean sheets, conceded 46 goals, made 120 saves, 6 sweeper clearances, 16 high claims and 83 throw outs in 38 league appearances. He had a save percentage of 73.9% and a clean sheet percentage of 34.2%.
Matz Sels has capped off a remarkable campaign with Nottingham Forest, playing a pivotal role in helping the club secure qualification for the UEFA Conference League and also winning the PL Golden Glove award. For much of the season, Forest was in the mix for a Champions League spot—an extraordinary turnaround for a team that battled relegation just a year ago. His performances between the posts were instrumental to Forest’s success, and as a result, he has rightfully earned a place among the Premier League’s top goalkeepers for the campaign.
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