With the exception of certain obvious names, this list will feature goalkeepers who have stood out in recent matches. It is going to be based on save rates, with the xG for each game taken into account.
Manchester City’s Ederson is difficult to overcome. His performance during the tense Champions League shootout win against Barcelona epitomized his excellence.
- Tim Krul
He’s not as flashy like some of his rivals however he’s one of the most solid shot-stoppers in Europe. He took part in an extra shootout in the penalty shootout. He prevented two penalties from being used to help Chelsea take home the Champions League in 2012.
Krul did a great job at times in Norwich’s struggle to avoid relegation this season. He is now back to form by securing a 0-0 draw against Brighton. Krul made four stops against the Seagulls. He is likely to be part of the starting line-up for Luton the following weekend.
Mike Maignan makes those otherworldly saves that people think are coming in, but it’s not. The goalkeeper kept 21 clean sheets in the period when LOSC Lille won the Ligue 1 title. His distribution is also excellent. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the moment.
- Emi Martinez
Although he’s been prone to the odd mistake – which goalkeepers aren’t? The No. 1 goalie at Liverpool has been an integral aspect of the club’s revival during the past few seasons. He’s a superb shot-stopper but he’s also great when it comes to attacking with attacks from behind.
He was an integral player as the Colchoneros were able to make big runs during several UEFA Champions League campaigns over the last few seasons which included winning three finals. It’s not a flashy goalkeeper, instead preferring to read the entire play and never guessing one way or another very early in.
It’s hard to imagine he’ll be on the same level as many great goalkeepers in football However, his consistent play has helped him rise to prominence in a way few expected. He’s 2nd in Europe in Post-Shot Expected Goals with Goals Allowed minus and is superb when one-onone. He was the main factor in Argentina’s surprise World Cup win. Also, he’s been a great performance at club levels and has won 2 FA Cups with Arsenal.
- Lukasz Fabianski
Lukasz Fabianski is one of the best goalkeepers around the world. The 6’7″ Belgian shut down some of the top strikers in Europe last season, including two penalty kicks from Lionel Messi, as he was the one to lead Real Madrid to their 14th Champions League title.
Also, he put on his own show to promote Poland in the 2021 FIFA World Cup, helping them to two shootout wins in the semi-finals and finals against Spain and England as well.
Following his departure from Arsenal, Leno has built a solid career at Fulham and helped them to an impressive 10th place within the Premier League soccer scores. He is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde player, however, and has both dazzling highs and puzzling lows at times.
- Timo Krul
Despite a rough season this year, Krul placed among the top goalkeepers in the world and can be expected to have an impact for Luton in the coming season. He’s got the experience to take on every match and has demonstrated that he can be a clean sheet while also outperforming his goalkeepers.
He was a vital part of Barcelona’s title-winning run, and was consistently outperforming his xG across all competitions this season. Despite only being a year old The German has grown into a sharper, more commanding goalkeeper. He also stopped climate activists from sticking themselves to the goal posts during one of Germany’s recent international matches.
The end of the day, Jan Oblak is a skilled shot stopper that does what’s required of him. He has a good position, directs the always-solid Atleti defense and if something gets through, he halts the ball. Those are the qualities that make a good goalie. The goalkeeper is a little unlucky to be unable to claim an upper spot because of his outstanding performance overall.