Here’s my take on the top ten Premier League keepers by projected clean sheets for 2025-26, along with a look at their key metrics.
1. **Alisson Becker (Liverpool):** Still the gold standard. He played 28 league games in 2023-24, keeping 8 clean sheets with a 74.5% save percentage. With Arne Slot now at the helm, Liverpool might transition slightly, but Alisson’s ability to pull off world-class saves and his exceptional command of his area won't change. His goals conceded per 90 often hovers around 0.9, a testament to his consistency. Distribution accuracy? Routinely above 85%, often pinpointing Trent Alexander-Arnold. He’ll hit 15-18 clean sheets.
2. **Ederson (Manchester City):** You can’t bet against City. Ederson notched 10 clean sheets in 33 league appearances in 2023-24, largely due to City's defensive dominance. His save percentage (66%) is lower than Alisson's, but he faces fewer shots on target. His goals conceded per 90 is usually under 0.8. His distribution, though, is legendary – often 90%+ accuracy, turning defense into attack with those laser-guided long balls to Erling Haaland. Expect 14-17 clean sheets.
3. **David Raya (Arsenal):** He quieted a lot of doubters last season, winning the Golden Glove with 16 clean sheets in 32 matches. His save percentage was a solid 74.2%, and his goals conceded per 90 was an impressive 0.81. Arsenal's defense, especially with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, looks rock solid. Raya's distribution accuracy can be a bit more adventurous than Ederson's, sitting around 75-80%, but it’s effective. He’s in a strong position for 13-16 clean sheets.
4. **André Onana (Manchester United):** I know, I know. It was a rocky start for Onana at Old Trafford. But he still managed 9 clean sheets in 38 games in 2023-24, often bailing out a leaky defense. His save percentage of 70.8% and goals conceded per 90 of 1.5 were decent given the chaos. With a more stable defensive setup under Erik ten Hag (or whoever is in charge) and a full season to adapt, he’ll improve. His distribution, which was a big reason for his arrival, is often around 78-82% accuracy. A bold prediction: he jumps to 12-14 clean sheets.
5. **Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa):** Villa’s Champions League football means more high-stakes games, but also potentially more focused defending. Martínez kept 8 clean sheets in 34 league games last season, with a 70.6% save percentage. His goals conceded per 90 was 1.4. He’s a big-game player, prone to the spectacular, and his distribution accuracy hovers around 65-70% – not always pretty, but often cleared effectively. Expect 10-12 clean sheets.
6. **Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspur):** Vicario was a revelation in 2023-24, earning 9 clean sheets in 37 games. His save percentage was 70.4%, and his goals conceded per 90 was 1.4. Under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs play an open, attacking style, which means he'll always face shots. But he’s agile, a good shot-stopper, and his distribution is reliable, usually in the 75-80% range. He'll keep 9-11 clean sheets.
7. **Jordan Pickford (Everton):** Consistently underrated because of Everton's struggles, Pickford is a top-tier shot-stopper. He managed 13 clean sheets in 38 games in 2023-24, largely thanks to his heroics. His 76.8% save percentage was one of the league’s best, and his goals conceded per 90 was 1.2. If Everton can add a bit more quality to their defense, he could easily push higher. His distribution is often pragmatic, 60-65% accuracy, opting for long clearances. He’ll be around 9-11 clean sheets again.
8. **Bernd Leno (Fulham):** Leno is another keeper who often flies under the radar. He recorded 10 clean sheets in 38 matches in 2023-24. His save percentage of 70.1% and goals conceded per 90 of 1.4 show his consistency. Fulham are solid, if not spectacular, defensively. Leno’s distribution is accurate, typically in the 70-75% range, but rarely adventurous. Expect 8-10 clean sheets.
9. **Robert Sánchez (Chelsea):** This is a speculative pick. If Chelsea’s new manager (Enzo Maresca looks likely) can finally bring some defensive stability, Sánchez has the potential. He only played 16 games in 2023-24 due to injury and form, with 5 clean sheets, a 69% save percentage, and 1.3 goals conceded per 90. He’s athletic, good with his feet (78-82% distribution accuracy), and if he gets a consistent run, he could surprise. I'm betting on 7-9 clean sheets.
10. **José Sá (Wolves):** Sá is a very good keeper in a team that often rides its luck defensively. He managed 7 clean sheets in 35 league games last season, with a 69.8% save percentage and 1.6 goals conceded per 90. Wolves aren't likely to radically change their style, so Sá will continue to be busy. His distribution is pragmatic, 65-70% accurate. Expect 6-8 clean sheets.
When you look at Raya, Alisson, and Ederson, you’re essentially looking at the keepers for the three best defensive teams in the league. Alisson’s individual quality sets him apart; he steals points for Liverpool. Ederson benefits from City’s suffocating possession and defensive structure. Raya, on the other hand, truly grew into the role at Arsenal. He made 11 saves against Man City over their two league meetings in 2023-24, highlighting his importance in big games.
Real talk: Pickford is probably a better pure shot-stopper than Ederson. If you put Pickford behind City's backline, he'd get 20 clean sheets easily. But football isn't played in a vacuum. Ederson's unparalleled distribution and his comfort as a sweeper are vital to how City operates. Alisson combines the best of both worlds – world-class shot-stopping and excellent distribution under pressure. Martínez, for all his antics, pulls off incredible saves, but Villa's defense can be porous.
My bold prediction for 2025-26: Alisson reclaims the Golden Glove, finishing with 18 clean sheets, narrowly beating out Raya (16) and Ederson (15). He’s due for a full, healthy season, and Liverpool will tighten up defensively under Slot.
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