Premier League’s Top Shot‑Stoppers Right Now: Ranks 20–11 (2026/27)
From Schmeichel to Seaman, Cech to van der Sar, the Premier League has always worshipped its guardians of the posts. But in 2026/27, the depth is outrageous — and the position’s evolved. It’s not just about reflexes anymore; it’s about commanding your yard, sweeping behind a high line, and pinging passes like a regista. Here’s my ranking of the best keepers right now from 20 to 11, with the top 10 to follow.
How I’ve ranked them
Body of work matters, but so does the here and now: shot-stopping, command of area, distribution under pressure, decision-making, and availability. Form beats reputation every day of the week — and if you fancy a flutter on who climbs or slides next, our hub for the best betting sites is a handy bookmark.
20) Kjell Scherpen — Ipswich Town
A giant of a keeper getting his first proper taste of Premier League life. After years on Brighton’s books and a permanent switch to Union SG in 2025, Ipswich have handed him the gloves for their survival tilt. Too soon for sweeping judgments, but he looks composed enough. 26/27 PL: 1 appearance, 0 clean sheets, 1 conceded.
19) Lukas Horníček — Newcastle United
Thrown straight in with Nick Pope’s future up in the air, the 24‑year‑old Czech looked assured on debut versus Liverpool and wasn’t to blame for either goal in the draw. Braga polished a real prospect here; expect him to climb if he keeps his nerve in a demanding dressing room. 26/27 PL: 1 appearance, 0 clean sheets, 2 conceded.
18) Antonín Kinský — Tottenham Hotspur
A rough introduction to English scrutiny after that infamous early Champions League hook, but he steadied last season to help Spurs dodge the trapdoor. With Vicario on loan at Juventus, this is his shot — albeit a shaky league opener in a 3‑0 defeat to Brentford shows there’s work to do. 26/27 PL: 1 appearance, 0 clean sheets, 3 conceded.
17) James Trafford — Leeds United
Back from a stalled Manchester City return — Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival slammed the door — Trafford has landed at Leeds and looks right at home. Fresh off that bonkers Championship Golden Glove year at Burnley (29 clean sheets, only 16 conceded in 45), he marked his Whites debut with a clean sheet against Forest. 26/27 PL: 1 appearance, 1 clean sheet, 0 conceded.
16) Robert Sánchez — Chelsea
There’s a brilliant keeper in there — big presence, big saves, nice range. But the volatility bites, as seen with that opener wobble against Fulham. With Xabi Alonso unafraid to be ruthless and Emiliano Martínez linked, the heat is on Sánchez to tidy up the errors. 26/27 PL: 1 appearance, 0 clean sheets, 2 conceded.
15) Djordje Petrović — Bournemouth
Excellent on loan at Strasbourg, then a £25m statement by the Cherries. Petrović became a cornerstone under Andoni Iraola and looks set to remain No 1 under Marco Rose. Good handler, brave starting positions, improving with his feet. 26/27 PL: 1 appearance, 0 clean sheets, 2 conceded.
14) Nick Pope — Newcastle United
England’s most honest-to-goodness shot-stopper on his day, but the all-round package has drifted. Lost his spot at times to Aaron Ramsdale last term, and Horníček’s arrival turns the screw. If the minutes dry up, a move might be best for everyone. 26/27 PL: 0 appearances.
13) Giorgi Mamardashvili — Liverpool
Signed as the heir to Alisson, loaned back to Valencia in 2024 where he kept eight clean sheets in 34. The raw tools are enormous — size, reactions, calm — but he hasn’t fully convinced yet at Anfield. Time, coaching, and cup minutes could flip the narrative quickly. 26/27 PL: 0 appearances.
12) Bart Verbruggen — Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton’s recruitment radar strikes again. Verbruggen already looks an upgrade on Sánchez and has the confidence to match; he’s been the Netherlands’ first choice on the biggest stage and carries himself like it. Cleaned up nicely on opening weekend. 26/27 PL: 1 appearance, 1 clean sheet, 0 conceded.
11) Matz Sels — Nottingham Forest
A superb mid‑season addition who helped underpin Forest’s surge into Europe two years ago (with a little assist from Palace’s ban). It’s been bumpier since, but Sels remains a steadying hand and a vocal organiser behind a changing back line. 26/27 PL: 1 appearance, 0 clean sheets, 1 conceded.
The verdict (for now)
Plenty of new faces are bedding in, established names are under pressure, and the margins are razor thin. The jump from good to great this season will be made by the keepers who cut out the rash moments while still playing on the front foot. Top 10 drops soon — and there will be arguments.
