🧤

By Position

Scouting Goalkeepers

Assessing goalkeepers for shot-stopping, distribution, and command

Goalkeeper scouting evaluates shot-stopping ability, distribution quality, command of the penalty area, and decision-making. Modern goalkeepers must be comfortable with feet, start attacks accurately, and dominate their area. Elite goalkeepers combine reflexes with positioning, composure under pressure, and leadership to organise defensive units.

Key Points

1Shot-stopping ability measured against expected goals on target (xGOT)
2Distribution with feet is now fundamental, not optional
3Command of penalty area and decision-making on crosses crucial
4Positioning and angle management prevent more goals than reflex saves
5Communication and leadership organise defensive shape effectively
6Height advantage helps but technique matters more than size alone
7Composure under pressing when playing out from the back

Metrics to Watch

✓Goals conceded vs post-shot expected goals (PSxG)
✓Save percentage and save percentage on high-danger shots
✓Pass completion percentage under pressure
✓Crosses claimed vs punched percentage
✓Sweeper actions outside penalty area
✓Distribution distance and accuracy

Green Flags

+Consistently outperforming post-shot xG through elite positioning
+Accurate distribution with feet starting attacks effectively
+Dominant on crosses commanding penalty area confidently
+Composure under pressure making correct decisions
+Strong leadership organising defence and communicating clearly

Red Flags

-Consistently conceding more goals than expected based on shot quality
-Poor distribution leading to turnovers in dangerous areas
-Hesitancy on crosses leaving defenders exposed
-Inability to play out under pressing with composure
-Weak communication failing to organise defensive line

Ask FootballGPT

“What metrics matter most when scouting goalkeepers?”

“How do I evaluate distribution quality in goalkeepers?”

“Is height essential for goalkeepers?”

“How important is sweeper-keeper ability?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to evaluate goalkeeper shot-stopping ability?

Compare goals conceded to post-shot expected goals (PSxG). This measures whether goalkeepers save more or fewer shots than average based on shot difficulty. Consistent outperformance indicates elite shot-stopping. Single matches are unreliable; assess over extended periods (20+ matches minimum).

How important is distribution for modern goalkeepers?

Essential for top-level football. Modern systems build from the back, requiring goalkeepers to play accurate passes under pressure. Poor distribution limits tactical options and creates turnovers in dangerous areas. At lower levels, shot-stopping may compensate for weak distribution, but elite level demands both.

Is height essential for goalkeepers?

Height provides advantages for crosses and shot coverage but is not essential. Elite positioning and technique compensate for height disadvantages. However, most professional goalkeepers are 6'0" (183cm) or taller. Shorter goalkeepers must demonstrate exceptional reflexes and positioning to succeed at high levels.

How do I assess decision-making on crosses?

Watch full matches noting when goalkeepers claim crosses versus staying on their line. Elite goalkeepers dominate their six-yard box, claim catchable crosses confidently, and punch dangerous crosses they cannot catch cleanly. Hesitancy leaving defenders uncertain is a major red flag.

What red flags should stop goalkeeper recruitment immediately?

Consistent errors leading to goals, poor concentration causing lapses, weak handling dropping shots into danger, inability to play with feet under any pressure, and hesitancy on crosses. Technical limitations can improve with coaching, but decision-making and concentration issues often persist.

Expert Advisors

⚽

General Coach

All-round coaching

🏆

The Pro's Pro

Professional/elite coaching

🎓

Academy Mind

Academy pathway U13-U18

scouting goalkeepersgoalkeeper recruitmentshot-stopping metricsPSxG analysisgoalkeeper distributionsweeper keepercommand of areagoalkeeper evaluationreflexes and positioningmodern goalkeepersgoalkeeper analysis

Get AI-Powered Scouting Insights

Ask the Scout Advisor for player analysis, statistical comparisons, and recruitment advice.

Try FootballGPT Free