Premier League Goalkeepers: 2022/23 Power Rankings
The Premier League is renowned for its intense competition and high-quality football, and one of the most crucial positions on the field is that of the goalkeeper. The 2022/23 season has seen a range of performances from the men guarding the nets, making for an exciting discussion about who truly stands out. In this article, we’ll delve into the power rankings of Premier League goalkeepers, assessing their performances, statistics, and overall impact on their teams throughout the season.
Introduction to Goalkeeping in the Premier League
Goalkeeping is often described as a thankless job. Goalkeepers face immense pressure, as a single mistake can lead to a goal and, ultimately, the loss of points for their team. However, the best goalkeepers thrive under this pressure, showcasing their skills through remarkable saves, commanding presence, and leadership. The 2022/23 season has been no different, with various goalkeepers displaying exceptional talent and some struggling to find their form.
Methodology for Power Rankings
To compile our power rankings, we considered several factors:
- Clean Sheets: A key indicator of a goalkeeper’s performance.
- Saves Made: The number of shots saved, including crucial saves.
- Distribution: Ability to initiate attacks with accurate passing.
- Command of Area: Confidence in dealing with crosses and set-pieces.
- Overall Impact: Contributions to the team’s defensive solidity and morale.
With these criteria in mind, we ranked the goalkeepers from the 2022/23 Premier League season.
Power Rankings of Premier League Goalkeepers
1. Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
Alisson Becker has consistently proven himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. In the 2022/23 season, he continued to be a pillar for Liverpool, showcasing his shot-stopping abilities and leadership on the pitch.
- Clean Sheets: 14
- Saves Made: 95
- Distribution: Excellent, with a high percentage of accurate long balls.
- Command of Area: Strong presence during set-pieces.
Alisson’s ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations has solidified his position as the top goalkeeper in the Premier League this season.
Ederson (Manchester City)
Ederson is not just a goalkeeper; he is an integral part of Manchester City’s attacking play. His distribution skills are unmatched, allowing City to transition quickly from defense to offense.
- Clean Sheets: 13
- Saves Made: 80
- Distribution: Exceptional, often initiating counterattacks.
- Command of Area: Generally solid, though occasionally caught out.
Ederson’s ability to read the game and contribute to build-up play has kept him near the top of the rankings.
Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)
Kepa has had a resurgence in form during the 2022/23 season, becoming a reliable figure for Chelsea. His reflexes and shot-stopping ability have been crucial for the team.
- Clean Sheets: 12
- Saves Made: 87
- Distribution: Improved, with quicker decision-making.
- Command of Area: More assertive than in previous seasons.
Kepa’s performances have helped Chelsea maintain competitiveness in the league.
Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Ramsdale has become a fan favorite at Arsenal, known for his charismatic personality and impressive performances. His ability to make spectacular saves has been vital for Arsenal’s title challenge.
- Clean Sheets: 11
- Saves Made: 90
- Distribution: Good, with an emphasis on short passes.
- Command of Area: Confident, dealing well with aerial threats.
Ramsdale’s contributions have been a significant factor in Arsenal’s success this season.
David de Gea (Manchester United)
David de Gea remains a key figure for Manchester United, despite facing criticism in previous seasons. His shot-stopping ability is still among the best in the league.
- Clean Sheets: 10
- Saves Made: 100
- Distribution: Needs improvement, often opting for safe passes.
- Command of Area: Has shown moments of uncertainty but remains a strong presence.
De Gea’s performances have kept Manchester United in contention for top-four finishes.
Nick Pope (Newcastle United)
Nick Pope has been an excellent addition to Newcastle, providing stability and experience. His performances have been vital in Newcastle’s push for European football.
- Clean Sheets: 15
- Saves Made: 85
- Distribution: Solid, with good decision-making under pressure.
- Command of Area: Very reliable, particularly on crosses.
Pope’s shot-stopping and leadership have made him one of the standout keepers this season.
Robert Sanchez (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Sanchez has emerged as a promising talent for Brighton, known for his shot-stopping ability and confidence on the ball. His performances have helped Brighton secure crucial points.
- Clean Sheets: 9
- Saves Made: 75
- Distribution: Good, with a focus on building from the back.
- Command of Area: Generally strong, but can improve in high-pressure situations.
Sanchez’s growth this season has been a positive sign for Brighton fans.
Dean Henderson (Nottingham Forest)
Henderson has played a key role in Nottingham Forest’s relegation battle, showcasing his shot-stopping skills and resilience.
- Clean Sheets: 8
- Saves Made: 70
- Distribution: Adequate, with room for improvement.
- Command of Area: Good, but needs to be more assertive.
Henderson’s performances have been crucial for Forest as they strive to maintain their Premier League status.
Vicente Guaita (Crystal Palace)
Guaita has been a reliable figure for Crystal Palace, providing steady performances throughout the season. His experience has been invaluable for the team.
- Clean Sheets: 7
- Saves Made: 65
- Distribution: Fairly average, focusing on short passes.
- Command of Area: Generally reliable, though sometimes hesitant.
Guaita’s consistency keeps him among the top goalkeepers in the league.
Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace)
Johnstone has had limited opportunities but has showcased his potential when called upon. His performances have provided depth to Crystal Palace’s squad.
- Clean Sheets: 5
- Saves Made: 40
- Distribution: Improving, with better decision-making.
- Command of Area: Shows promise but needs more game time to develop.
Johnstone’s potential makes him a player to watch in the coming seasons.
Honorable Mentions
- Fraser Forster (Tottenham Hotspur): A solid backup who stepped up when needed.
- Lukasz Fabianski (West Ham United): Veteran presence with good shot-stopping ability.
- Mark Travers (Bournemouth): Emerging talent with the potential to grow.
Conclusion
The 2022/23 Premier League season has highlighted the importance of goalkeepers in shaping the outcomes of matches. From the standout performances of Alisson and Ederson to the promising talents like Sanchez and Johnstone, the league is rich with goalkeeping talent. As the season progresses, these rankings may shift, but the significance of these players will remain paramount. Whether it’s making a crucial save or distributing the ball effectively, goalkeepers continue to play a pivotal role in the beautiful game.