The Premier League's Backup Goalkeepers: A Tale of Woes and Triumphs
The role of a backup goalkeeper is often overlooked, but it's a crucial position for any top team. When the first-choice keeper is injured, suspended, or in decline, the second-choice must be ready to step up and perform. Some are permanent benchwarmers, while others are called upon more frequently than expected. And some have even lost their starting spot.
In a week that saw Antonin Kinsky's nightmare in Madrid, we've decided to rank every Premier League No.2 from worst to best. From Mark Travers's drop-off to Giorgi Mamardashvili's consistent performance, this list highlights the challenges and triumphs of these backup goalkeepers.
The Struggles of the Stranded
Mark Travers (Everton): The drop-off between Jordan Pickford and Mark Travers is significant. Travers, an unused substitute, has barely featured this season, with Everton's first-choice keeper remaining injury-free.
Max Weiss (Burnley): An unused substitute in every Premier League match, Weiss has only played in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, both ending in defeat. His lack of game time is a concern.
Walter Benitez (Crystal Palace): Benitez's performance against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup was impressive, but it was an anomaly. His overall record doesn't justify a higher ranking.
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Benjamin Lecomte (Fulham): Lecomte, an experienced option, has been given a chance with Bernd Leno's struggles. However, his performance hasn't been spectacular, and he's not a reliable backup.
Antonin Kinsky (Tottenham Hotspur): Kinsky's stock has dropped significantly after his substitution against Atletico Madrid. His performance was a disaster, and he's unlikely to recover from this setback.
The Promise of the Promising
Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion): Steele dislodged Robert Sanchez in 2022/23 but has barely featured since the start of 2024/25. His lack of playing time is a concern, but he remains a promising option.
Altay Bayindir (Manchester United): Bayindir is error-prone and a liability at set pieces, making him a liability for United.
Hakon Valdimarsson (Brentford): Valdimarsson is a promising young goalkeeper, but he's far from displacing Caoimhin Kelleher.
Melker Ellborg (Sunderland): Ellborg has done well since joining in January, but he could have been sent off against Port Vale in the FA Cup. His performance is a mixed bag.
The Heroes of the Backups
Alphonse Areola (West Ham United): Areola couldn't keep a clean sheet in 20 Premier League appearances but was dropped for Mads Hermansen, who was then dropped for Areola. His performance was a droppable offence.
Sam Johnstone (Wolverhampton Wanderers): Johnstone had a run in the Wolves team but kept zero clean sheets and lost nine times. Since Jose Sa returned, Wolves have won and kept clean sheets.
Lucas Perri (Leeds United): Being dropped for Karl Darlow is not ideal, and Perri's future is uncertain.
Marco Bizot (Aston Villa): Bizot's performance has been consistent, and he's a reliable backup for Aston Villa.
Kepa Arrizabalaga (Arsenal): Kepa has the chance to make himself a hero in the Carabao Cup final. He's an excellent option if David Raya gets injured or suspended.
Stefan Ortega (Nottingham Forest): Ortega has made his name as an excellent backup goalkeeper, and his signing was a no-brainer for Forest. He could dislodge Matz Sels.
Robert Sanchez (Chelsea): Chelsea's lack of a decent goalkeeper is a joke. Sanchez is a reliable backup, but his performance against PSG was a concern.
Nick Pope (Newcastle United): Pope is now Eddie Howe's second choice behind Aaron Ramsdale. His distribution is a weakness, but he's a reliable shot-stopper.
James Trafford (Manchester City): Trafford was blindsided by City's signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma. He could leave City soon and be a great option for Newcastle.
Giorgi Mamardashvili (Liverpool): Mamardashvili topped the list back in October and remains the Premier League's most capable backup goalkeeper. His performance hasn't been great, but he's a reliable option.
