Premier League Shot-Stoppers 2026: Ranks 20–11 Assessed by a Blunt Brit
From Schmeichel to Cech, Seaman to van der Sar, England’s top flight has always loved a safe pair of hands. But the modern No 1 isn’t just a shot-swallower — he’s a commander, a quarterback, and the first line of the press. If you’re sizing up the form on the best betting sites, remember this: keepers win you points, save managers’ jobs, and swing seasons. Here’s my take on the Premier League glove-men ranked 20 to 11 right now.
How we ranked them
Current-season form carries the most weight — shot-stopping, command of area, sweeping, distribution, and reliability under pressure. We’ve factored in the strength of the team in front, the volume and quality of work, and whether they turn matches with big moments rather than padding stats with routine saves.
20) Martin Dubravka — Burnley
Fresh start, same safe hands. After years as an understudy up north, Dubravka has brought a calm head and a loud voice to a newly promoted Burnley side that’s taking its medicine most weekends. He won’t be around forever, but he still radiates authority and keeps the back four honest.
2025/26 Premier League: Clean sheets 4; Saves 127; Goals against 71.
19) James Trafford — Manchester City
Golden Glove in the Championship, silver medal in the City pecking order. Donnarumma’s arrival has clipped Trafford’s wings for now, and most of his minutes have come in the cups. The tools are there — size, presence, solid hands — but he needs matches, not Manchester’s bench.
2025/26 Premier League: Clean sheets 1; Saves 11; Goals against 4.
18) Djordje Petrovic — Bournemouth
Backed himself, left Chelsea, and took a proper gig on the south coast. Early doors he was assured, banking clean sheets as Andoni Iraola’s side purred, before a mid-season wobble reminded everyone this is the Premier League, not a kickabout. Still, he looks a sensible £25m investment.
2025/26 Premier League: Clean sheets 10; Saves 101; Goals against 52.
17) Robert Sanchez — Chelsea
Box office, for better and for worse. On a good day he’s pinging 60-yard darts and plucking crosses like apples. On a bad one, the decision-making gets a bit wild and you’re reaching for the remote. The talent is obvious; the consistency is what’s keeping him mid-table on this list.
2025/26 Premier League: Clean sheets 9; Saves 91; Goals against 44.
16) Guglielmo Vicario — Tottenham
Came in as the Lloris era ended and showed plenty of promise: brave off his line, tidy with his feet, and fearless in the one-v-ones. The trouble? The odd lapse that turns a steady afternoon into a circus. Under new stewardship he’s steadied, but he needs a long run of error-free football to push higher.
2025/26 Premier League: Clean sheets 7; Saves 83; Goals against 50.
15) José Sá — Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves have been in a right state, but Sá’s return as first choice has at least put out a few fires. Shot-stopping instincts still sharp as a tack; it’s just that he’s working behind a back line that’s too easy to play through. Hard to shine when you’re bailing water every weekend.
2025/26 Premier League: Clean sheets 4; Saves 54; Goals against 35.
14) Giorgi Mamardashvili — Liverpool
Brought in with tomorrow in mind and thrust into today. With the main man battling fitness issues, the Georgian has looked composed and big in the moments that matter. The Reds haven’t always purred as a unit, but this lad’s temperament screams long-term success at Anfield.
2025/26 Premier League: Clean sheets 2; Saves 27; Goals against 13.
13) Bart Verbruggen — Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton’s recruitment conveyor belt rolls on, and Verbruggen fits the brief: huge frame, confident with the ball, and rarely flustered. There’s growth to come — the ceiling is high — but for his age he’s already a metronome at the back and a trustable out-ball under pressure.
2025/26 Premier League: Clean sheets 9; Saves 99; Goals against 42.
12) Nick Pope — Newcastle United
England’s shot-stopping specialist, still capable of the sort of sprawling saves that make you question physics. The nit-picks remain — the odd awkward moment and questions about distribution — and there’s real competition breathing down his neck. But you can’t teach those reflexes.
2025/26 Premier League: Clean sheets 7; Saves 73; Goals against 34.
11) Matz Sels — Nottingham Forest
One of last season’s revelations and the anchor of Forest’s defensive revival. This campaign started stickier, but clean sheets against the division’s big hitters show the class wasn’t a flash in the pan. Calm, decisive, and a brilliant organiser — the sort fans grow to adore.
2025/26 Premier League: Clean sheets 7; Saves 82; Goals against 34.
That’s the 20–11 bracket wrapped. Plenty of them could climb with a few months’ iron-clad form, but for now, it’s a fair reflection of who’s catching crosses and catching the eye. The top 10? That’s where the heavyweights start throwing leather.
