Goalkeepers
Premier League Goalkeepers Ranked: The Current Top 10
A fresh ranking of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers, weighing form, reputation and lasting quality.
Goalkeepers in the Premier League face constant pressure, and the standard required to stand out has rarely been higher. Across the division, there are several stoppers with the tools to cope with the demands of the modern game, from command of the area to sharp distribution and recovery saves.
This ranking is shaped by more than short-term form. Recent performances matter, but so do consistency over time, wider reputation and standing within the game. Statistics play a part, yet the eye test matters too, as does what players reveal in post-match interviews when the questions get difficult.
Robin Roefs is the youngest goalkeeper here, but his age has not stopped him making a major impression. After emerging with NEC in 2024-25, he joined Sunderland in the summer and quickly adapted to the Premier League. His reflexes, handling from crosses and confidence in possession have stood out, and in the first half of 2025-26 he recorded the highest save percentage in the division. That form helped Sunderland move from relegation candidates to unlikely European qualifiers.
Giorgi Mamardashvili arrived with a strong reputation after Euro 2024, then joined Liverpool via a loan back to Valencia before making the move to Anfield. His first season offered limited opportunities, especially in the league, although there were high points such as a clean sheet against Real Madrid and a costly error in a 4-2 loss to Aston Villa. He still has the physique and shot-stopping range to grow further.
Matz Sels, Dean Henderson and Jordan Pickford have all delivered at a high level for their clubs, while Emiliano Martínez remains one of the most complete keepers in the division, despite not always being universally popular. Senne Lammens has brought calm to Manchester United since arriving from Royal Antwerp, and his height, reflexes and one-on-one ability have quickly made him important.
At the top end, Liverpool still trust Alisson as the model of a complete Premier League goalkeeper. Gianluigi Donnarumma has also settled quickly after his move to Manchester City, his frame and reflexes already making a clear impact.
Goalkeepers
Lammens Shrugs Off Scholes’ Doubts After Fresh Criticism
Lammens answers Scholes’ doubts by stressing mental strength, calmness and his steady character.
Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has responded calmly to renewed scrutiny from Paul Scholes, making clear that outside opinion will not unsettle him.
Scholes questioned whether the Belgian is ready to carry a side with title ambitions, arguing that elite goalkeepers are central to Premier League success. He said: “What team have you seen win the Premier League without a top-class goalkeeper?” Scholes added: “Lammens might be that, I don’t know, I think the jury’s probably still out on that.”
Lammens, now away from United and with Belgium, did not appear troubled by the comments. He used the moment to underline the mindset that helped draw United to him in the first place, saying: “I have not changed character by playing football at Manchester United,” he laughed. “You have to be mentally strong and self-confident in the face of all those people who express their opinions. I can imagine that this is not easy for everyone.
“I love playing all those Premier League matches. Premier League, Nations League … that doesn’t feel any different.”
His appeal has always rested on a straightforward approach. Signed in 2025 as the contrast to André Onana, Lammens was viewed by United as a goalkeeper who could provide calm and security after a spell marked by frustration.
That has not meant a spotless record. He has made mistakes of his own, including a costly error at the World Cup that contributed to Belgium’s quarterfinal exit. Even so, the 24-year-old has moved on quickly and continues to be regarded as dependable.
Belgium manager Mark van Bommel offered a similar assessment, saying: “Senne’s strength is that he always remains the same regardless of the circumstances,” van Bommel reflected. “That’s his character and his quality.”
Chelsea
Alonso highlights Chelsea’s defensive fragility after another costly display
Alonso says Chelsea are too soft defensively after repeated errors, poor shape, and a shaky start.
Xabi Alonso did not hide his frustration after Chelsea’s latest outing, describing his own side as “soft” as familiar defensive problems again came into focus.
Speaking after the game, he made clear that the issue is not simply about entertainment or open football, but about how Chelsea manage key moments when they are in control. “It’s all maybe entertaining,” Alonso said after the game. “But I hope that one day you say it was a boring game and we win, and we don’t give these entertaining moments, but for sure, it kind of repeats some patterns that we are making.
“It will take time to, or it will take moments to, fix them when we get the lead, and you still need to be competing and not to give the chance so easily for them to come back, especially in the first goal, we can do much better.
“It was too soft to give them this hope because until then we were controlling, we were creating chances, but that momentum that we had changed the mood and the score of the game, and it’s something that we need to be talking about, we address and we will get better, but it’s having an impact on our performances at the moment.”
Chelsea have now conceded 12 goals in six games across all competitions to start the season. Across three matches in six days last week, Arsenal, Leeds United and Hull scored seven times against a defence that has repeatedly looked vulnerable.
The problems have gone beyond isolated errors. Poor organisation, lapses in judgment and a lack of defensive authority have become recurring features at Stamford Bridge. That was reflected again when Alonso was asked whether he could see a real desire to defend from his players.
“We can do better, we can do better for sure,” Alonso admitted. “We need to know that even when we have the lead, a very important part of the game is to hold together, to keep the distances, to go intense in the situations to defend. I’m sure that we can do better.”
“We need to be aware that from any situation, any team in the Premier League can hurt you. Today it was from a long ball, two bounces, the way it happened. You need to be very aware, very ready that the danger can come from any situation. If you are soft or if you are not prepared, you will get punished, and we have been punished that way.”
There is still the argument that Chelsea are adapting to Alonso’s approach. The back three with wingbacks has been the main structure this season, although he has also used a back four in some matches, including against Hull.
Even so, several players are also underperforming. Levi Colwill has found the return from an ACL injury difficult, Jorrel Hato has been inconsistent, and his failure to deal with the ball before Hull’s second goal was costly. Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix, Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong have also been involved in a defence that remains far from secure.
Robert Sánchez was eventually replaced after making one error too many, with Emiliano Martínez brought in to steady things. But the two-time goalkeeper of the year award-winner has also made a mistake-ridden start to his Stamford Bridge spell.
Al Ahli
Yashin Trophy 2026 shortlists reveal established names and fresh contenders
The 2026 Yashin Trophy shortlists are out, with new contenders joining familiar goalkeeping names.
The 2026 Yashin Trophy race has taken shape, with 10 men and five women named on the latest shortlists for football’s top goalkeeping honour.
There will be a new men’s winner this year after Gianluigi Donnarumma, who led the rankings in 2025, was not included among the nominees. That opens the door for a wide-open contest featuring several familiar figures and a few first-time entrants.
Thibaut Courtois is again in the mix, underlining the standing he has built over several years. Barcelona’s Joan García has also earned a first nomination after a season that put him firmly among the leading candidates. Arsenal’s David Raya, last season’s Premier League Golden Glove winner, is on the list too, while Emiliano Martínez returns to the spotlight after being nominated for his work with former employers Aston Villa and later joining Chelsea this summer.
The men’s shortlist also includes Matvey Safonov and Gregor Kobel, plus the Saudi Arabia-based pair of Yassine Bounou and Édouard Mendy. Unai Simón is recognised after helping Spain to World Cup glory, while Vozinha completes the lineup after another notable campaign at 40 years old.
Courtois and Martínez have both lifted the prize before, with Martínez a two-time winner in 2023 and 2024.
On the women’s side, Hannah Hampton is back after becoming the first winner of the Women’s Yashin Trophy last year. She is joined by Ann-Katrin Berger and Cata Coll, who finished second and third in the inaugural edition. Manchester City’s Ayaka Yamashita and Kansas City Current’s Lorena complete the women’s shortlist.
The full lists confirm a competition that mixes proven pedigree with new challengers, and the final outcome now depends on which goalkeeper can turn nomination into the highest honour.
