In recent seasons, the role of the goalkeeper in the Premier League has shifted from simply shot-stopping to being a full-fledged playmaker. The 2025/26 campaign is no different, with several keepers combining elite reflexes, distribution and leadership to stand out among the best. Below we highlight four who are excelling: Alisson Becker, David Raya, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Emiliano Martinez.
Alisson Becker
Alisson has long been regarded as one of the world’s elite goalkeepers, ever since his move to Liverpool in 2018. He’s started the current season as strong as ever, recording a couple of clean sheets already. What sets him apart is his combination of being a commanding presence, being an excellent shot-stopper and being comfortable on the ball. Alisson’s importance to Liverpool has been highlighted further recently, with the team struggling to win games while he’s out injured. Their bad run, as you would expect, also impacted Liverpool’s title chances, as indicated by the latest football betting odds.
David Raya
David Raya has quietly become one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Premier League. The Spaniard is keeping clean sheet after clean sheet, and has formed an excellent relationship with central defenders William Saliba and Gabriel, who play in front of him. When Mikel Arteta signed Raya as an upgrade on Aaron Ramsdale, some questions were asked about the decision. But since Raya became the Arsenal number one, they’ve been involved in multiple title races and currently lead the Premier League.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma has long been hailed as one of the top goalkeepers on the planet. The Italian has been there and done it on the biggest stages at club and international level, leaving former club Paris Saint-Germain in the summer as a treble winner. Manchester City re-signed former academy star James Trafford to be their number one, but when Donnarumma became available, they didn’t want to pass up the chance. Donnarumma is one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, and he’s a huge presence. If there was ever a goalkeeper who could win a team points on their own, it’s him.
Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez, who’s affectionately known as “Dibu”, is another world-class goalkeeper plying his trade in the Premier League. The Aston Villa number one has a long-standing reputation for his ability to save penalties and big-game performances. In recent seasons, Martinez has been close to leaving Villa but has eventually stayed put and retained the gloves. The Dibu story is one that will be told in the years to come, with the Argentinian being a backup keeper at Arsenal for much of his career, before he eventually made the breakthrough, moved to Villa, and also became a World Cup winner.
Conclusion
The 2025/26 Premier League campaign is already being shaped by goalkeepers. Alisson has proven he is a key player for Liverpool, and the sooner he’s back between the sticks, the better. Arsenal are top of the Premier League, and a lot of their success is coming from the huge amount of clean sheets they’re keeping, which is, in part, down to David Raya. Manchester City had some early goalkeeping woes, but Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival has solved them immediately. And after a disappointing start to the new season, Aston Villa are looking more like their old selves, with Emiliano Martinez playing a key role in that.