Who is the best goalkeeper in the EPL? It’s a hot debate among fans, pundits, and analysts—and while there’s no unanimously perfect answer, one name stands out above the rest in 2025: David Raya. His performances in the 2024–25 season have pushed him to the top of many rankings, combining shot-stopping, consistency, clean sheets, and modern kee, FreeKickSEO will explore why many believe he’s the best, what the competition looks like, and how we can judge a kee.
What defines “best goalkeeper” in the Premier League
Before naming names, we need to agree on what criteria matter. In the EPL, goalkeepers are judged not just for their reflexes, but also for:
- Clean sheets — how often they keep the opponents off the scoresheet.
- Save percentage & goals prevented metrics, which show how many of the shots on target they stop versus how many they should be expected to stop.
- Consistency over the season — not just one or two standout matches but deliverance under pressure (big matches, defensive lapses, etc.).
- Distribution and playing with feet — in modern football, how a keeper contributes in build-up play, launching attacks, or playing out from the back matters as much as handling cross-bars.
- Command of area and leadership — organizing the defence, claiming crosses, one-on-ones.
These are the lenses through which many experts assess who is the best.
Why David Raya is currently ahead
Here’s what makes David Raya shine at the moment.
- He won the Golden Glove in 2024-25 playing for Arsenal, after joining permanently following a successful loan. That award is given to the goalkee.
- -, shot-stop saves, and fewer goals conceded than expected. His clean sheet count was among the best in the league.
- He combines great reflexes with excellent distribution and composure. Arsenal’s rebuilt defence under Mikel Arteta has benefited greatly.
- Many recent “power rankings” put Raya as either the topamong the top two goalkeepers in the EPL for the 2024-25 season.
So while no kee, Raya holds a strong claim: he ticks most of the boxes demanded.
Other top contenders and what they bring
Even if David Raya appears to be the frontrunner, several other goalkeepers make strong cases. Below are some of his nearest rivals, and what puts them in the conversation.
Alisson Becker
- Known for his world-class reflexes and excellent shot-stopping ability. Alisson still features in many top-kee.
- His reliability in big games and his command of the penalty area are major strengths.
- Sometimes the statistical edge shifts depending on defensive support and individual matchups; there have been games where Liverpool’s defence leaks chances, which makes the keeper’s job harder.
Ederson (Manchester City)
- One of the best when it comes to distribution, playing out, and acting almost as a “sweeper-keeper”. His ability to use his feet and start attacks is one of the things that makes City’s system work.
- Clean sheet numbers are often impressive, though in seasons with more defensive instability those numbers can be affected.
Jordan Pickford (Everton)
- Not always the flashiest, but he has had seasons with high clean sheet totals and strong saves under pressure. In some statistical models, he shows up high in shot stop percentages.
- His value sometimes depends heavily on the defensive support in front of him; when Everton are under pressure, his reflexes and mental toughness come to the fore.
Others to watch
- Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest) has been highlighted in stat models for excellent goals prevented vs expected figures.
- Emiliano Martínez, Andre Onana, Nick Pope, etc., also get mentioned in many rankings, especially for specific performances or stretches of strong form.
Challenges and nuance to naming one as “the best”
Here are some caveats and important context, because choosing one “best goalkeeper in the EPL” involves nuance.
- Defensive strength of the team matters a lot. A keeper behind a solid back-four will face fewer high-quality chances, which helps clean sheets and goals prevented.
- Matchups matter: facing top clubs, away games, bad weather, crosses, penalties—all can affect stats differently.
- One bad game can skew perception, especially in high-visibility fixtures. Fans often remember errors more than consistent competence.
- The statistics used depend on availability and reliability. Some keepers do better than raw numbers suggest because of positioning, communication, leadership, etc.—which are harder to capture.
- Injuries, suspensions, and changes in tactics can shift momentum. A keeper’s form over time often gives a more accurate picture.
Conclusion
Who is the best goalkeeper in EPL is a question that doesn’t have a single absolute answer—but FreeKickSEO hopes this breakdown has shown why David Raya is the front-runner right now. His clean sheets, consistency under pressure, distribution, and ability to influence games pull ahead of others in 2024-25.
If you’re a fan, analyst, or fantasy manager, here’s what to do next:
- Keep watching how Raya performs in big clashes (Champions League, derby fixtures)—these often define reputations.
- Monitor metrics like goals prevented and clean sheets per match—they tend to separate the merely good.
- Don’t discount other keepers: Alisson, Ederson, Pickford, etc., still have strong cases and could overtake if Raya has dips in form.
Who do you believe deserves the title—Raya, or someone else? FreeKickSEO invites you to compare, debate, and keep following: football is all about these battles.
