The next generation of female goalkeepers are already making waves for themselves, whether it be in the American collegiate system or in the professional game. Even though the list is limited to goalkeepers born in or after 1996, nearly every goalkeeper has represented their country on the youth level, if not with the senior team as well. The USWNT goalkeeping pool looks the strongest with six goalkeepers in the top 15 although several other countries are counting on their young prodigies to lead the national teams to World Cup glory.
Each goalkeeper is graded in nine categories, covering their abilities on a technical, tactical, and athletic level (although there is some bleed over in certain categories). Understanding that the limited ratings do not completely encompass the position, the brief survey for each goalkeeper is intended to give a decent foundation for new observers in understanding each goalkeeper’s play styles.
Each goalkeeper is rated on a 1-7 scale in nine different categories. A 7 is a world-class level, a 4 is a low professional or high Division I collegiate goalkeeper, and a 1 is dreadful. (Scroll to the bottom for a definition on each category.)
Technical
Footwork, Angle Play – Efficiency in micro-adjustments, balance, and angles taken vs. shooter
Hands – The goalkeeper’s ability to hold shots, prevent easy rebounds, and drop crosses
Distribution – Success with distribution from throws, balls from ground, and punts
Athleticism
Post-to-Post time – Acceleration speed for goalkeepers’ forward and lateral (post-to-post) movement
Explosiveness – A goalkeeper’s ability to cover the goal width as well as reaction speed. A good “shot-stopper” will have high explosiveness and footwork ratings
Breakaways – Success in 1v1 situations and generally handling through balls
Tactical
Crossing – Comfortability with incoming aerial service on crosses, free kicks, and corners
Improvisation – A goalkeeper’s success can solve an unfamiliar situation.
Consistency – How often a goalkeeper is playing to their top ability. Inversely it takes into account how often a goalkeeper gives up a soft goal. A “clutch” goalkeeper will have a high consistency rating as well.