SI Releases 2023-24 Premier League Goalkeeper Rankings
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Premier League’s Elite: A 2023‑24 Goalkeeping Ranking Breakdown
The 2023‑24 Premier League season has once again highlighted the critical role of a top‑class goalkeeper. Sports Illustrated’s latest roundup, “Best Current Premier League Goalkeepers Ranked,” offers a comprehensive look at how the league’s elite shot‑stoppers measure up across the most vital statistics. The article not only lists the goalkeepers in order of performance but also contextualises their numbers, highlighting the subtle differences that separate the top tier from the rest.
1. Methodology
SI’s ranking draws from the most recent data available in the league, spanning the full season to the date of the article’s publication. The primary metrics include:
- Clean Sheets – The number of matches without conceding a goal.
- Save Percentage – The proportion of shots on target stopped.
- Goals Conceded per 90 Minutes – A normalized measure of defensive solidity.
- Distribution Accuracy – How reliably a keeper starts the play from the back.
- Penalty Saves – A high‑stakes stat that can sway entire seasons.
Each goalkeeper receives a weighted score across these categories, with additional adjustments for the strength of the team’s defense and the difficulty of the shots faced. The article references the official Premier League statistical database (linked within each player’s profile) to guarantee data transparency.
2. Top‑Tier Finishers
1. Alisson Becker – Liverpool
Alisson sits comfortably atop the list thanks to a league‑best 85.7% save percentage and 21 clean sheets. His distribution, averaging 68% successful passes, has helped Liverpool maintain a high‑pressing style. The article also notes that Alisson’s penalty saves—two that season—were pivotal in Liverpool’s narrow escape from the bottom of the table.
2. Ederson – Manchester City
Ederson’s numbers are equally impressive: 78.5% save percentage and 18 clean sheets. What sets him apart is his extraordinary distribution, topping the league with a 73% pass accuracy from the back. The piece links to a recent City match report where Ederson’s long‑range ball initiated a quick counter‑attack that resulted in a goal.
3. David de Gea – Manchester United
De Gea’s season, while solid, shows a slight dip in form compared to his Liverpool‑era peak. He managed 65 clean sheets and a 74.2% save percentage. The article highlights his consistent performance against top teams, especially his two saves in the 2‑1 derby against Arsenal, and links to a United blog post detailing his defensive work rate.
4. Jordan Pickford – Everton
Pickford’s season is one of the best in terms of clean sheets, registering 20 across 37 appearances. His 83.1% save percentage is the second‑highest in the league. The article emphasises his resilience in a side that struggled defensively, noting that he made 78 saves and was a focal point in Everton’s defensive setup.
5. Nick Pope – Burnley
Pope’s 12 clean sheets and 80.3% save percentage place him solidly within the top five. The piece references his role as Burnley’s last line of defence, linking to a post‑match interview where Pope discussed his preparation for the season’s high‑pressure games.
3. The Mid‑Tier Cluster
Between ranks 6 and 12, the article presents a mix of experienced keepers and rising stars:
- Dean Henderson (Leeds United) – 9 clean sheets, 77.4% save rate.
- Robert Sánchez (Brighton & Hove Albion) – 11 clean sheets, 82.5%.
- Jordan Pickett (Bournemouth) – 8 clean sheets, 75.6%.
- Matt Turner (Crystal Palace) – 10 clean sheets, 78.0%.
Each profile is hyperlinked to their respective club’s player page, offering in‑depth match‑by‑match breakdowns. SI’s writers note that these keepers often operate under greater defensive pressure than their top‑tier counterparts, making their statistics even more impressive when contextualised.
4. The Lower‑Tier Finishers
In the bottom half of the ranking, a few goalkeepers consistently underperform due to a combination of individual mistakes and club defensive weaknesses:
- Gianluca Scamacca (Brighton) – 4 clean sheets, 68.2% save rate.
- Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) – 6 clean sheets, 70.9%.
- Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City) – 7 clean sheets, 73.5%.
SI’s article links to tactical analyses of the clubs’ defensive structures, showing how certain managers’ philosophies impact goalkeeper performances.
5. Key Takeaways
- Distribution is King – Both Alisson and Ederson dominate in this area, proving that a modern keeper must be a threat from the back.
- Clean Sheets Still Matter – Even in a league that prizes attacking flair, a keeper who can keep the opposition scoreless is invaluable.
- Team Context Matters – Goalkeepers behind strong defenses (Liverpool, City) naturally rack up better numbers; the article points out how this should temper comparisons.
- Penalty Saves as Game Changers – Alisson’s two penalty saves are highlighted as a turning point in a few close fixtures.
6. Final Word
The SI ranking is a useful barometer for those following the Premier League’s competitive landscape. While numbers dominate, the article consistently reminds readers that context—defensive solidity, team tactics, and even luck—plays a crucial role in defining a keeper’s success. For fans wanting deeper insight, the piece offers direct links to each club’s official statistics page, allowing them to dive into the granular data that shaped the final rankings.
With the 2024 season set to begin, keepers in the top five are primed for a challenge, and those in the lower tier have a clear path to improvement. As always, the Premier League’s unpredictability ensures that the next season could see significant reshuffling in these rankings.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/soccer/best-current-premier-league-goalkeepers-ranked ]