Top goalkeepers can make the difference between a good and great team, with number ones now required to be far more than just the last line of defence.

Manchester United are close to finalising a deal to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan, as the Red Devils look to replace the long-serving David de Gea with a new first-choice goalkeeper. The Cameroon international will arrive with a reputation as one of Europe’s top shot-stoppers after an excellent season at Inter, who he helped reach the Champions League final.

With Onana’s arrival into the division imminent, we’ve ranked the six best goalkeepers in the Premier League right now.

6. David Raya – Brentford

David Raya was a pivotal part of a successful season for Brentford, one which saw the Bees push for a place in Europe despite pre-season predictions of a battle to beat the drop.

Raya led the Premier League for saves (154) and save percentage (77.1%) in 2022/23, while the Spaniard ranked in the 92nd percentile or higher compared to positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues for touches and crosses claimed.

The 27-year-old has forged a reputation as one of the best distributors in the Premier League, completing more long passes than any other goalkeeper in the division last season and ranking in the 80th percentile of ‘keepers in Europe’s top leagues for defensive actions outside the penalty area.

A number in goal, @daviidraya1 pic.twitter.com/ZWAXCxUMqx

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) March 20, 2023

Only three Premier League goalkeepers – Jason Steele, Ederson and Alisson – completed a higher percentage of their passes over a distance of 40 yards or more (41%), a statistic made even more impressive when considered Raya attempted 263 more long distance passes than those three goalkeepers combined.

Brentford have held firm in their £40m valuation of Raya as clubs have circled, but run the risk of losing the Spanish shot-stopper on a free transfer next summer.

5. Aaron Ramsdale – Arsenal

Arsenal’s move for Aaron Ramsdale was questioned when the Gunners signed the goalkeeper in a £24m deal from relegated Sheffield United, but the 25-year-old has silenced those doubters across two strong seasons at the Emirates.

Since replacing Bernd Leno as the club’s number one early into his debut campaign Ramsdale hasn’t looked back, becoming a key figure in an improving team under Mikel Arteta.

Ramsdale’s excellent distribution has contributed to a change in approach from Arteta’s side, who are one of the most watchable teams in the division and capable of passing through opposition lines with ease.

Ramsdale to the rescue!

We need to talk about this @AaronRamsdale98 save pic.twitter.com/J4zuC1txVS

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 5, 2023

Ramsdale has room to grow as he looks to overhaul Jordan Pickford as England’s number one, but the Arsenal number one is a brave and well-rounded goalkeeper who will relish the chance to take to the Champions League stage next season.

4. Jordan Pickford – Everton

Jordan Pickford is not everyone’s cup of tea and the Everton goalkeeper has had no shortage of critics during his time in the Premier League.

He is, however, a major reason why Everton remain a top-flight club after two seasons of struggle at the bottom of the division and remains a consistent performer for Gareth Southgate and England.

The 29-year-old has won Everton’s Player of the Season award three times in the last six seasons, including in each of the last two campaigns consecutively. Pickford has made crucial saves at vital times for the Toffees, who need to provide the England number one with better protection to avoid another season of struggle this time around.

Jordan Pickford at his very best pic.twitter.com/fPIJMq9lN2

— Everton (@Everton) May 9, 2023

Pickford, to his credit, has reaffirmed his desire to remain at Goodison Park this summer despite interest from clubs further up the division.

3. Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa

Emiliano Martinez has bounced back from being moved on at Arsenal to emerge as one of the most commanding number ones in the Premier League.

The Argentina international is adored at Aston Villa after three seasons of brilliant performances since joining the club in a £20m deal.

Martinez was named as Villa’s Player of the Season during the first of those campaigns and has gone from strength to strength since, establishing himself as Argentina’s number one and shining on the world stage.

Those reactions. @EmiMartinezz1 pic.twitter.com/MQxJyttezT

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 24, 2023

The 30-year-old won the Copa América Golden Glove as Argentina ended a 28-year wait for a major trophy in 2021, before earning the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove during his nation’s success in Qatar last winter.

The World Cup winner was named as The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper last year for his performances at international level and set a new record for the most Premier League clean sheets by a Villa goalkeeper in their first 100 appearances.

A giant presence with that little bit of madness that great goalkeepers often possess.

2. Ederson – Manchester City

Ederson’s arrival at Manchester City has coincided with a dominant period for the current Premier League champions, with the Brazilian the perfect player for a Pep Guardiola side.

Signed from Benfica for an eye-catching fee, Ederson has been a pivotal part of the Citizens’ modern successes and has helped redefine the role of a modern goalkeeper. The 29-year-old is brave in possession and when diving at the feet of opposition attackers, while his reputation with the ball at his feet is unrivalled.

Ederson boasts one of the best passing ranges in the entire Premier League, a statement not often said when discussing goalkeepers. His booming left foot is capable of finding targets at long-range, or driving passes between lines into midfielders in space.

5 #PL titles
102 clean sheets
3 @Castrol Golden Gloves

Ederson joined @ManCity on this day six years ago! pic.twitter.com/jAJqNVfwaj

— Premier League (@premierleague) June 8, 2023

Despite criticism of his performances during the early part of last season, Ederson found his form during the run-in as Pep Guardiola’s side won a historic treble.

1. Alisson – Liverpool

Alisson’s consistent levels mean he often keeps Ederson out of the national side with Brazil, a goalkeeper who ranks as one of the most complete shot-stoppers in world football.

The 30-year-old is an immense presence when it comes to reaction saves and one-vs-one situations, while he is confident and capable when distributing the ball with long throws or kicks of unerring accuracy.

Last season Alisson was required to be at his very best as Liverpool struggled defensively, with the Reds number one leading the league for goals prevented (10) to reemphasise his standing as one of Europe’s very best.

Alisson, Alisson, Alisson!

Here are just a few key highlights from our @StanChart Player of the Season throughout the 2022/23 campaign #ad pic.twitter.com/XRAruxQPmQ

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 13, 2023

He was voted, predictably and deservedly, as Liverpool’s Player of the Season in 2022/23. While Jurgen Klopp will be delighted with his contribution, he will hope Alisson is rather less busy when the new season rolls around.

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The post Ranking the six best goalkeepers in the Premier League right now first appeared on The Football Faithful.