As we reflect on this season’s football highlights, I have compiled a list of top defenders who, in my opinion, have stood out with their exceptional performances. However, I want to emphasize that this is not a definitive list—it’s based on my personal observations and preferences.
Why This List Is Subjective
Personal Opinion: My rankings and choices are influenced by the games I’ve watched and the criteria I consider important.
Diverse Perspectives: Football fans often have different viewpoints and value different aspects of a goalkeeper. What resonates with one person might not with another.
Dynamic Performances: Players’ performances can vary throughout the season due to form, fitness, and tactical changes, making it difficult to have a perfect list.
Your Opinions Matter
I encourage you to share your thoughts and contribute to the discussion. Which defenders do you think have excelled this season? Are there any players you believe should be on the list but aren’t? Your insights and opinions are valuable and can help create a richer, more comprehensive conversation.
Let’s Discuss
Please feel free to comment with your suggestions and reasons why you believe certain defenders deserve recognition. Let’s celebrate the diversity of opinions and the passion we all share for football.
List made by sholynationsport.com
1 Alisson Becker
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is celebrated for his exceptional abilities both in possession and shot-stopping, making him arguably the best in the world. Known for his excellent passing range, he has initiated numerous goals for Liverpool. Alisson saved 10 more goals than expected last season, highlighting his superhuman shot-stopping skills. Notably, his save against Miguel Almiron was praised as “the best” by Eddie Howe. Additionally, his sweeping ability ranks second in Europe for Defensive Actions outside the Penalty Area per 90, and he is among the top passers in Europe. Alisson’s contributions have been crucial for Liverpool’s performance in recent years.
2. Ederson
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is considered one of the most influential goalkeepers in the Premier League since Petr Cech. Initially, Pep Guardiola’s introduction of ball-playing keepers, including Ederson’s predecessor Claudio Bravo, was met with skepticism. However, Ederson has proven his worth, excelling in his primary role with the ball and demonstrating consistent shot-stopping abilities. Although some may undervalue his overall goalkeeping skills, Ederson has never been a weak link, winning three consecutive Premier League Golden Gloves from 2020 to 2022. His exceptional ball-playing ability further elevates his status as both a footballer and a goalkeeper.
3. Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has elevated his performance significantly over the past 18 months, despite having little personal interest in football. Last season, he was instrumental in Barcelona’s defensive strength, conceding only 13 goals in his first 33 games. His Post-Shot Expected Goals minus Goals Allowed was impressive, with nearly nine goals saved beyond expectations. Ter Stegen is also exceptional with long passes, completing 50% of those over 40 yards, the second-best in Europe. His return from injury has been crucial for Barcelona, maintaining his status as one of the top goalkeepers despite a challenging Champions League exit.
4. Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez is known for his charisma and flair, making him a standout figure in football. While his statistics may not always be exceptional, he excels in catching crosses, ranking second in Europe’s top five leagues. Martinez’s reputation as a big-game player began with Arsenal’s 2020 FA Cup win and grew with his Copa America success and the Best Goalkeeper award at the World Cup in Qatar. His performances have been pivotal for Aston Villa, who are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League, where his dynamic presence will be eagerly anticipated.
5. Mike Maignan
In April 2022, AC Milan’s Mike Maignan watches the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final matchup versus Inter. In April 2022, AC Milan’s Mike Maignan watches the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final matchup versus Inter
It was understandable for supporters to have been concerned about Donnarumma’s future when she departed Milan. They were able to improve the departing academy product in some way. Since then, Maignan has removed Hugo Lloris from Les Bleus, helped the Rossoneri win their first Scudetto in ten years, and established himself as a giant in the San Siro net. In addition to having outstanding reflexes and box control, he also does outstanding work on the ground. The Frenchman has only witnessed
6.Lukas Hradecky
Lukas Hradecky preparing for Darmstadt defense Lukas Hradecky preparing for Darmstadt defense (Source image: Getty Images)) Lukas Hradecky, who joined Eintracht Frankfurt in 2015 and has since quietly established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top goalkeepers, is not a very showy person. He went on to Bayer Leverkusen three years later and has since established himself as a dependable mainstay for the team. calm and concentrated.
Unbeaten Leverkusen brilliantly romped to the title ahead of enduring favorites Bayern Munich under the direction of Xabi Alonso. With just 24 goals allowed in 33 games, they have brilliantly kept them out while scoring goals at will. Hradecky, a seasoned foreign player from Finland, has significantly boosted Leverkusen’s performance.
7. Yann Sommer
Yann Sommer of Switzerland celebrates with teammates after stopping Kylian Mbappe of France’s game-winning penalty kick at the National Arena on June 28, 2021 in Bucharest, Romania. The match was a UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16. (Image courtesy of Getty Images/Justin Setterfield)) At Euro 2020, Yann Sommer rejoices (Photo courtesy of Getty Images).) Let us correct you now: Yann Sommer has been a huge asset to Inter Milan this year, and their Serie A triumph has been impressive. In 34 appearances, the Swiss international has maintained an incredible 20 clean sheets while only giving up 19 goals. It is evident when four more keepouts are added in the Champions League.
8. Gianluigi Donnarummag
Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma On September 12, 2023, in Milan, Italy, Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy plays during the Italy vs. Ukraine UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier at Stadio San Siro. One of Europe’s best, Gianluigi Donnarumma has distinguished himself (Image credit: Getty Images).) Keylor Navas was already a premier goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain, while Alphonse Areola was a respectable backup. But Gianluigi Donnarumma was always going to make a name for himself as the club’s next major star and unseat them both. After relocating to France, the enormous Italian has had a lot of work to do, and he now has the reputation of being among Europe’s best because of the always shifting cast in front of him and the lack of press.
Nevertheless,Although Gigi sometimes struggles with his feet, he commands his box well and he’s an excellent shot-stopper when called upon: he’s already a European champion at international level, too. All before the age of 25 – his career’s only heading in one direction.
9. Diogo Costa
Something of an up-and-coming goalkeeper, Porto’s Diogo Costa is continuing to impress for the ever-relentless Portuguese giants and is being watched by some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
10. David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale
David Raya is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Arsenal, on loan from Brentford, and the Spain national team ¹. Here are some key points about David Raya
- Won the Premier League Golden Glove award in 2023/24
- Winner of the UEFA Nations League in 2023
David Raya is a talented goalkeeper who has made a significant impact in his career, playing for various clubs and the Spain national team. His skills and experience have earned him honors and awards, including the Premier League Golden Glove award.
11.Andriy Lunin
Andriy Lunin is a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Real Madrid and the Ukraine national team. Born on February 11, 1999, in Krasnohrad, Ukraine, Lunin began his career at Metalist Kharkiv before moving to Dnipro in 2015. He made his professional debut for Dnipro in 2016 and quickly established himself as one of the top young goalkeepers in Ukraine.
In 2018, Lunin signed with Real Madrid, initially playing for the reserve team before being promoted to the first team in 2020. He has since become a regular backup goalkeeper for Real Madrid and has also represented Ukraine at various youth levels, including the U20 and U21 teams. Lunin is known for his exceptional reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and distribution, making him a promising talent in the goalkeeping position.
12. Unai Simon
Unai Simón Mendibil is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Athletic Bilbao and the Spain national team. Born on June 11, 1997, in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, Simón began his career at Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy before making his professional debut in 2018.
Simón has since become a regular starter for Athletic Bilbao and has also represented Spain at various youth levels, including the U21 team. He made his senior debut for Spain in 2020 and was a member of the squad that reached the semifinals of Euro 2020. Simón is known for his exceptional reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and distribution, making him one of the top young goalkeepers in Spain. His impressive performances have earned him a reputation as a talented and promising goalkeeper in La Liga and international football.
13. Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford is an English footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for the Premier League club Everton and the England national team ¹. Here are some of his achievements and career highlights:
Overall, Jordan Pickford is a talented and accomplished goalkeeper who has made a significant impact in his career so far.
14. Wojciech Szczesny
Wojciech Szczęsny is a Polish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Juventus and the Poland national team
15. Manuel Neuer
One of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the game, age and injuries are slowly catching up with Manuel Neuer but he continues to be Bayern Munich’s first choice between the sticks.
A World Cup and dual Champions League winner, the original sweeper keeper has the biggest prizes in his trophy cabinet.
NOTABLE MENTION
Lucas Chevalier
Brice Samba
André Onana
Bernd Leno
