When assessing some of the most successful teams in Premier League history, a reliable goalkeeper was always present. Without a solid shot-stopper in between the sticks, a team’s title tilt can soon wane as they’re capable of winning matches on their own.
Over the years, the world’s biggest league has housed some of the beautiful game’s safest pair of hands. Clean sheets are their speciality, denying some of the league’s most iconic strikers on a regular basis. Even today, fans who select their Fantasy Premier League squads and look for the best football betting sites ahead of betting on the action factor a reliable goalkeeper into their plans, with the league currently containing a plethora of top keepers.
But who is the best Premier League goalkeeper of all-time? Below we rank the top five shot-stoppers the league has seen, with areas of their game, such as shot-stopping, collecting crosses, and communication enabling them to stand out.
5. Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
A modern-day goalkeeper who recently lifted the Premier League trophy with Liverpool, Alisson Becker’s ability with a ball at his feet puts him ahead of every other goalkeeper on the list. A vital ingredient for a goalkeeper of today to possess, the Brazilian starts most of Liverpool’s attacks.
The former Roma stopper has made 228 Premier League appearances for the Reds, keeping 95 clean sheets in the process. An impressive return, his strengths include a knack for coming out on top in one-on-one situations, his aforementioned ability on the ball, and his superb shot-stopping credentials. Arguably Liverpool’s greatest ever goalkeeper, Alisson is special.
4. David Seaman (QPR, Arsenal and Manchester City)
David Seaman’s legacy makes him an undisputed Arsenal legend. A likeable personality with a familiar deep voice, Seaman played a key role in two Premier League title wins for the Gunners, plus four magical FA Cup triumphs.
The Rotherham-born goalkeeper was part of one of the most resolute defences in top-flight history, keeping the likes of Tony Adams and Martin Keown in check in front of him. With 141 clean sheets in 344 appearances for the Gunners, plus a few at QPR and Manchester City, David Seaman is a Premier League icon.
3. Edwin van der Sar (Fulham and Manchester United)
Edwin van der Sar kept 132 clean sheets in 313 Premier League games for both Fulham and Manchester United, but it was with the Red Devils where the Dutchman made even more of a name for himself in England. His move to the Cottagers was a real coup for the London club at the time and his quality was evident from the offset, eventually leading Manchester United to sign the then 34-year-old in the summer of 2005.
It proved to be yet another masterstroke from Sir Alex Ferguson, as the tall goalkeeper was ever-present during four Premier League title triumphs, while also being a consummate professional during his time in Manchester.
2. Petr Cech (Chelsea)
Just missing out on top spot is former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, a £7million signing from French side Rennes as a 21-year-old. It took the Czech Republic international a few weeks to force his way in ahead of Carlo Cudicini, but he was ever-present for Jose Mourinho’s formidable Chelsea side once he did.
Cech joined Chelsea when Roman Abramovich’s big-spending Blues were starting to disrupt the English football landscape, with the giant stopper being a key reason for their success during the early 2000s.
Cech was excellent in four league title wins for the Blues, also claiming three Golden Gloves in the 11 seasons he enjoyed at Stamford Bridge. With 202 clean sheets in 433 appearances, Petr Cech was a world-class goalkeeper.
1. Peter Schmeichel (Manchester United, Aston Villa and Manchester City)
It’s tough to look past the most successful goalkeeper in Premier League history. The big Dane might not have earned as many clean sheets as some of his rivals (128), but his 310 appearances in the league were full of trophy-winning campaigns.
Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003, Schmeichel won a historic treble with Manchester United in 1999, while also lifting the Premier League title on four other occasions. Far from purely being a shot stopper, Schmeichel commanded his area better than anyone else, his long throws were a real weapon for United, and he handled the new backpass law with ease.
Also winning the Player of the Season award in 1995/96, any aspiring young goalkeepers should watch footage of Peter Schmeichel in action. He was immense.