Top 5 goalkeepers in the Premier League currently
These five goalkeepers excel in every category that modern goalkeepers are judged by
On Sunday night, Chelsea goalkeeper, Édouard Mendy, tried to uphold the principles of the "modern goalkeeper" against Leeds United and keep possession by attempting a dribble in a difficult situation. It backfired badly. He was pickpocketed by Brenden Aaronson, who went on to score the opening goal for Leeds.
The Blues eventually lost 3-0, their first against this opposition in 20 years. "It was a huge mistake," Thomas Tuchel lamented.
That mistake illustrated the fine line goalkeepers are expected to straddle to keep their starting spots in modern football.
No longer are they expected to just be competent shot-stoppers, they must also distribute the ball excellently, be quick to push up behind high back lines and be proactive in claiming crosses.
Bearing that in mind, our five best goalkeepers this season excel in every category modern goalkeepers are judged by.
- Ederson Moraes
The Brazilian goalkeeper has consistently been one of the best goalkeepers in world football since he joined Manchester City. He has been instrumental to Pep Guardiola's positional play, helping to build the play from the back while also being quick off his line to cut out opposing teams’ rapid counterattacks.
The 28-year-old is one of the best ball progressors in England and his unique long-ball delivery has remained a key offensive strategy of the reigning champions.
Ederson has now won the Golden glove award in the last three seasons, although, last season's award was shared with Alisson Becker, having both kept 20 clean sheets each.
This term, he has continued from where he stopped, keeping two clean sheets in three matches, and making four saves. He has also made 11 accurate long balls.
- Alisson Becker
The 29-year-old goalkeeper is arguably the most intimidating in the Premier League. His big frame combined with amazing reflexes makes him one of the most difficult to beat, even during one-on-one situations.
The Brazilian is great with the ball at his feet, helping to retain possession even in potentially difficult situations. These qualities also help to reassure his defenders when making offensive decisions.
Last season's joint Premier League Golden glove award winner last season will also set his sights on replicating the feat in this campaign.
Alisson has made six saves already this season. He has recovered the ball 28 times and made 93 successful passes.
- Aaron Ramsdale
The English goalkeeper had joined Arsenal for £30m from relegated Sheffield United last season. A string of errors from Bernd Leno saw him dropped by Mikel Arteta. And after three consistent performances by Ramsdale, he was made the first-choice goalkeeper.
With Leno joining Fulham this summer, Ramsdale has been handed the number 1 jersey. The 24-year-old has kept two clean sheets in three matches this season. He has a 66.7% save rate, equal to five saves. He has also conceded 0.67 goals per game.
He has shown to be great with his feet, making 76 successful passes and 20 accurate long balls this season. Even then, he has shown to have great reflexes in saving from close range. He is also dominant, winning two duels and losing none.
It is still early days. However, Ramsdale will surely be one of the best performers for the Gunners.
- Dean Henderson
Dean Henderson joined Nottingham Forest on loan in search of more playing minutes. The 25-year-old goalkeeper has continued to impress yet again, making the most saves in the Premier League this term. Indeed, he has an 85% save rate. He has also made the most high claims (7) so far.
He was heroic in his side's first win at home in this division in 23 years against West Ham. Henderson made four saves, claimed the ball four times and saved a crucial penalty from Declan Rice. He prevented a 2.3 XG. But for him, Nottingham could have dropped points.
Similarly, against Everton, Henderson made seven saves and two clearances. In terms of his passing, the England International made 40 passes.
If Nottingham Forest would survive this season, Henderson would be pivotal.
- Nick Pope
After Burnley failed to beat the drop, it was almost certain that Pope would be poached by a Premier League team. It was no surprise that Newcastle opted for the 30-year-old.
While playing for Burnley, he was in the top 10 for goalkeepers with the most clean sheets last season. Now, in three matches playing for the Magpies, he has kept two clean sheets.
Against Manchester City, he was sensational. The Cityzens could have scored as many as six or seven goals. Pope had also denied Erling Haaland two big chances, making himself big enough during both one-on-one situations.
So far, he has made 12 saves and 30 recoveries. Indeed, his impact has been conspicuous for Eddie Howe's team.
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