Goalkeepers are always under heavy scrutiny, especially in the Premier League where their every mistake is analysed by pundits and fans…
In today’s list, we will be looking at the save percentage across the first 7 games of every keeper in the English top flight to see who is performing poorly.
Press the next page as we name the 5 worst keepers in the Premier League (based on stats from FBRef).
5) Thomas Kaminski (Luton Town) – 63.9%
The Belgian was signed from Blackburn Rovers for a modest fee in the summer, and it is fair to say things haven’t really gone to plan so far.
With Kaminski in goal, the Hatters have conceded 14 goals in 7 league fixtures, letting in 2 per game on average.
Of course, not all of that can be blamed on the keeper, who has a rather porous defence ahead of him, but there is no doubt that the 30-year-old can perform better.
In his last two years at Blackburn, Kaminski’s save percentage hovered around 71%; a much higher figure than his current average for Luton.
4) Jason Steele (Brighton) – 61.9%
The 33-year-old ousted Robert Sanchez as the Seagulls’ No.1 midway through last season but he hasn’t started this campaign in good form.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi has already dropped him a few times in favour of new summer signing Bart Verbruggen.
However, as you will find out on the next page, the Dutchman hasn’t had a great start to life on the south coast either.
Having conceded 6 goals to Aston Villa last weekend, there is a distinct possibility that Steele will be benched by De Zerbi once again.
3) Bart Verbruggen (Brighton) – 58.3%
The 21-year-old cost the Seagulls £16m when he was brought in from Anderlecht in the summer. It seemed like a smart purchase, with Manchester United having also tracked the player previously.
Verbruggen has, though, been rather unconvincing in his first few appearances for his new club. He conceded 3 goals on his debut against West Ham, and his error led to Bournemouth’s opening goal in his last appearance a couple of weeks ago.
It’s probably unfair to be too harsh on the Netherlands Under 21 international, considering he has only just arrived in this country.
With Steele having let in 6 goals against Villa, there is a good chance that Verbruggen will be recalled for the Liverpool fixture on Sunday.
2) Jordan Pickford (Everton) – 57.7%
The England No.1 has had a terrible start to the campaign, conceding 12 goals from 26 shots on target in the Premier League.
Pickford is an erratic goalkeeper, to say the least. Last season, the 29-year-old’s save percentage was 71.3%, which was a very respectable figure.
At the moment, however, he is clearly not doing enough to keep clean sheets and Everton are suffering as a consequence.
The Toffees currently sit 16th in the table, having taken 4 points from their opening 7 matches.
1) Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) – 55.6%
Many fans and pundits criticised Mikel Arteta’s decision to drop the 25-year-old so early on in the season. Many felt he had done little wrong in between the posts for the Gunners.
However, the statistics tell a different story. Ramsdale has conceded 4 goals despite having faced just 9 shots in the Premier League.
It is a small sample size but, even so, his replacement David Raya has posted a save ratio of 71.4% from 7 shots since being brought in, which is a measurable improvement.
Across the course of the season, the Spaniard’s stats may improve or worsen but, for now, he seems to be the right choice
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