Premier League's Elite Shot-Stoppers: Who Rules Between the Posts Right Now?

Premier League shot-stoppers face unprecedented challenges in today's game.

England's top-flight custodians must not only excel as reliable last lines of defense, making crucial interventions when it matters most, but they also need the passing accuracy of top-class midfielders and the mental fortitude of a neurosurgeon.

Thankfully, the English top division features numerous keepers who possess the essential qualities needed to excel in football's most demanding league, safeguarding their goals with remarkable confidence and energy.

Bearing this in mind, here is Sports Illustrated's assessment of the finest goalkeepers currently operating in the Premier League.

8. Jordan Pickford (Everton)

There was a time when Jordan Pickford served as a vital presence between Everton's goalposts, and England's number one has quieted his critics in recent campaigns. Previously an inconsistent, overly animated keeper, Pickford has matured in recent years and benefits greatly from this evolution.

Pickford frequently faces ridicule for his compact build—by goalkeeper standards, anyway—but this doesn't stop him from diving spectacularly to deny opposing forwards. Outstanding reflexes lead to regular breathtaking interventions, with his contribution essential during Everton's challenging spells in recent times.

The reliability he's cultivated makes him among the Premier League's elite goalkeepers—and also one of the world's finest shot-stoppers.

7. Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspur)

What Guglielmo Vicario may lack in authority when dealing with aerial deliveries into his box, he compensates for with spectacular saves. The Tottenham Hotspur custodian displays remarkable flexibility and quickness along his goal line, with feline-like reactions ensuring his highlight reel overflows with exceptional stops.

Certainly, he could enhance his capacity to dominate his penalty area—clearly one of his primary shortcomings—but he remains prominent among his fellow keepers. The Italian has consistently rescued Tottenham from embarrassment when serving as their ultimate defensive barrier.

He's established himself as a dependable figure for Spurs since arriving at the club in 2023 and has completely won over the Tottenham supporters.

6. Giorgi Mamardashvili (Liverpool)

Liverpool previously possessed one of football's finest goalkeeping partnerships with Caoimhín Kelleher serving as Alisson's understudy, but the Irishman's successor, Giorgi Mamardashvili, represents an improvement over his forerunner.

The Georgian, who has been signed as Alisson's future replacement, developed his abilities in La Liga with Valencia, gaining recognition beyond Spain through his excellent displays at Euro 2024. He's a towering presence in goal and a genuine complete player with varied talents.

Though improvements are still needed regarding his ball distribution, Mamardashvili is an authoritative figure. He handles crosses into his area competently and possesses the physical attributes to deal with most attempts that come his direction.

Liverpool now possess two of the Premier League's top goalkeepers.

5. Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)

Matz Sels possessed minimal English football experience when joining Nottingham Forest in February 2024. The Belgian had appeared sparingly for Newcastle United during a Championship season in 2016–17, before departing for Anderlecht and subsequently Strasbourg.

However, Sels has enhanced his abilities with maturity and created a far more positive impact upon his English return. Forest's incredible European qualification in 2024–25 was founded on the experienced keeper's excellent shot-stopping and he even claimed the Premier League Golden Glove alongside David Raya after recording a league-leading 13 clean sheets.

Sels isn't a spectacular goalkeeper, nor an outstanding distributor, but he accomplishes his duties—and accomplishes them excellently.

4. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

Emiliano Martínez has frequently reserved his most outstanding displays for international duty with Argentina, yet he's still delivered consistently excellent performances with Aston Villa. There's good reason he's claimed the Yashin Trophy twice.

Martínez may not be universally beloved on the field—his behavior often irritates opposing fans—but his shot-stopping prowess and leadership attributes are unquestionable.

The World Cup champion seemed poised to leave Villa Park during the summer, but his successful reintegration into Unai Emery's team demonstrates his elite mentality.

3. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City)

Gianluigi Donnarumma was the keeper who claimed Martínez's Yashin Trophy crown. The Italian remained virtually unbeatable during Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph last season before being surprisingly released by the French club.

Donnarumma's reported salary expectations and his limited accuracy with ball distribution led PSG to separate from their star keeper, but Pep Guardiola wasn't deterred by the speculation surrounding the former Milan custodian.

Manchester City capitalized on the breakdown of Donnarumma's PSG relationship, acquiring one of the globe's premier shot-stoppers for a reasonable price. His imposing stature and rapid reflexes have already endeared him to Etihad Stadium supporters.

2. David Raya (Arsenal)

Many believed Aaron Ramsdale received unfair treatment when Mikel Arteta quickly replaced him with David Raya at the start of the 2023–24 campaign, but the Spaniard's subsequent rise to elite status has validated Arteta's keen judgment.

Needing a goalkeeper with masterful distribution, calm confidence and, naturally, superb reactions, Raya was the ideal match for Arteta's requirements, with the Spanish duo sharing complete faith in each other.

The former Brentford keeper has helped revolutionize Arsenal's defense in recent seasons, offering a dependable final barrier behind an already solid defensive unit. He makes the difficult appear effortless and seemingly possesses no flaws in his repertoire.

Raya has proved to be a brilliant Arteta acquisition.

1. Alisson (Liverpool)

Liverpool had endured persistent goalkeeping inconsistency, until Alisson arrived. Questions were asked when £67 million was invested in the Brazilian back in 2018, but the reliable shot-stopper rapidly proved his worth with brilliant performances.

Need a 70-yard distribution to Mohamed Salah? Alisson delivers that. Want someone to collect a high cross effortlessly? He manages that as well. Require a crucial save in a one-on-one scenario in stoppage time? Nobody excels more.

Alisson represents the ultimate goalkeeper and few have demonstrated such a comprehensive range of skills in Premier League history. His excellence is complemented by his durability, with no one managing to challenge the Liverpool legend's position for considerable time.