The Unbreakable Eight: Ranking Premier League Keepers for 25/26

Here’s the thing: predicting goalkeeper form a year out is a fool’s errand, but somebody’s gotta do it. We’re talking about a position where a hot streak can make a career and one bad gaffe can haunt you for months. Still, looking at underlying numbers and projected team performance, a few names stand out as the top shot-stoppers heading into the 2025-26 Premier League season. Forget the hype, let's talk about who will actually keep the ball out of the net.

**The Elite Tier: Unquestioned Number Ones**

Alisson Becker, Liverpool's main man, still holds the top spot. Even in a slightly down year for Liverpool in 2023-24, Alisson posted a 72.3% save percentage, significantly above the league average. With Arne Slot bringing a new system, expect Alisson to be even more big to Liverpool's build-up play, perhaps pushing his distribution accuracy back towards the 85% he hit in 2021-22. He's a complete keeper, and his 14 clean sheets in 2023-24, despite defensive wobbles in front of him, speak volumes. His goals prevented (PSxG) often hovers around +5, meaning he stops five more goals than an average keeper would face.

Coming in at number two is Arsenal's David Raya. After a shaky start to his Arsenal tenure, Raya settled in beautifully, securing the Golden Glove with 16 clean sheets in 2023-24. His distribution accuracy of 74.8% ranked among the league’s best for high-volume passers, and his sweeping actions per 90 minutes (averaging 1.8) show his comfort off his line. With Arsenal's defense only getting stronger, Raya could easily push for 18 clean sheets in 25/26. The only knock? His save percentage of 71.3% was slightly lower than Alisson's.

Third on my list is Ederson of Manchester City. His role is unique; he’s almost a deep-lying playmaker, and his 86.7% distribution accuracy in 2023-24 was simply incredible, higher than most midfielders. While his save percentage (69.5%) isn't as high as others, that's often because City faces fewer high-danger shots. Ederson’s clean sheet tally of 15 in 23-24 was excellent, and his sweeping actions are usually just under one per game because City rarely allows balls in behind. My hot take? Ederson benefits from City's dominance more than any other keeper in the league. Put him on a mid-table team, and his numbers plummet.

**Chasing the Top: Emerging & Established Forces**

Guglielmo Vicario at Tottenham lands at number four. His debut season in 2023-24 saw him rack up 13 clean sheets and a very respectable 70.1% save percentage. Vicario’s agility and shot-stopping were a revelation, and his 1.2 sweeping actions per 90 minutes show his willingness to play high. With Romero and Van de Ven solidifying the defense in front of him, Vicario could easily hit 15-16 clean sheets next season. He still has room to improve his distribution, which sat at 68.9% in his first year.

Aston Villa's Emi Martinez takes the fifth spot. The man is a winner, and his personality alone adds a few points to Villa's performances. In 2023-24, Martinez kept 8 clean sheets, but his save percentage of 73.5% was elite, showcasing his shot-stopping ability behind a sometimes-shaky Villa defense. His PSxG prevented often pushes into positive numbers, demonstrating his value. His distribution accuracy (65.2%) is a weakness, but his command of the box is second to none, averaging 0.9 sweeping actions.

Sixth, I'm going with André Onana of Manchester United. After a nightmare start to the 2023-24 season, Onana found his feet, finishing with 8 clean sheets and a 68.8% save percentage. His distribution accuracy (72.1%) is excellent, and he averages 1.1 sweeping actions per game. If United’s defense can finally get its act together under a potentially new manager, Onana’s shot-stopping and distribution could easily push him higher. He prevented 3.2 more goals than expected in the latter half of the season.

Rounding out the top eight, we have two excellent keepers. For number seven, Jose Sa of Wolves. Often overlooked, Sa had 10 clean sheets in 2023-24 and a fantastic 74.1% save percentage, making major stops for a team that faced a lot of shots. His distribution is solid at 69.8%, and he averages 0.8 sweeping actions. Finally, at number eight, I'm picking Neto from Bournemouth. He had 8 clean sheets and a 72.8% save percentage for a team that often plays an open style. His shot-stopping is genuinely top-tier, and with stability at Bournemouth, he could sneak into double-digit clean sheets.

My bold prediction for 2025-26: Raya will retain his Golden Glove, but Alisson will have the highest save percentage in the league.