David Seaman Named His Top 5 Goalkeepers in Premier League History

· GiveMeSport

Former Arsenal and England star David Seaman ranks his top five goalkeepers of the Premier League era..

When most people discuss who the greatest Premier League goalkeeper of all-time is, a name that will always be part of the conversation is David Seaman. The former Arsenal star and England international remains one of his country's best between the sticks, with very few coming close to reaching the standards he set.

Of his most memorable moments, the Premier League titles and the mind-blowing save in the FA Cup against Sheffield United in the latter stages of his career stand out. Yet, despite his brilliance, when asked for his top five shot-stoppers in English top-flight history, Seaman refused to name himself.

With an eyebrow-raising decision regarding Brazilian duo Alisson and Ederson, these are the quintet that Seaman opted for when discussing the great goalkeepers of the Premier League.

The way in which David de Gea's career at Manchester United came to an end perhaps tarnishes his legacy in some people's minds. Never forget, though, that when the Red Devils needed a hero in some of their darkest times, it was the Spaniard who stepped to the plate.

A four-time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award winner and the recipient of two Premier League Golden Gloves, De Gea amazed with lightning-quick reflexes and incredible feats of goalkeeping that often saved his side from the jaws of defeat. The biggest criticism of him was his distribution, and the focus on that led to a decline in his overall performance as mistakes began to slip into his game. Now at Fiorentina, De Gea is no longer seen at the top table of elite goalkeepers, but he has still managed to rebuild his reputation.

David de Gea's Premier League Stats

Despite the fact Alisson is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers on the planet, it isn't enough for the Liverpool number one to be any higher than fourth on Seaman's list. The Brazilian was the final piece of the puzzle at Anfield, replacing Loris Karius after the German's calamitous display in the 2018 Champions League final.

Alisson has gone on to become an unmistakable part of the Reds' success ever since then, with injuries being the only thing to have cursed him since making the switch to English football. However, despite his excellence, Seaman admitted that he preferred another Brazilian shot-stopper more.

Alisson's Premier League Stats

Ederson's spell with Manchester City was brought to an abrupt end in the summer of 2025, with Pep Guardiola opting to sign James Trafford and then Gianluigi Donnarrumma as his replacements. However, with six Premier League titles to his name, Ederson was a huge hit during his eight seasons at the Etihad Stadium. He certainly had a huge fan in Seaman, who said:

> "I just like the way that Ederson plays football, with no frills. With Ederson, he doesn't have a lot to do and suddenly he has to make a brilliant save. He is always there for that and he's got an unbelievable left foot."

Ederson's Premier League Stats

Just missing out on top spot is the legendary Petr Cech. Best known for his incredible years at the top of the game for Chelsea, Cech completely revolutionised goalkeeping in English football as he formed the first part of a watertight defence under Jose Mourinho.

The back-line under The Special One was practically unbeatable, but even after that, the Czech Republic star continued to dominate for well over a decade, including during his time at Arsenal, where he collected his third and final Golden Glove.

Petr Cech holds the record for the most Premier League clean sheets in a single season (24).

Petr Cech's Premier League Stats

They may have been rivals during their respective peaks, but Seaman didn't hesitate to acknowledge Peter Schmeichel as his number one pick. The Great Dane remains the greatest goalkeeper Manchester United have ever had, which is saying something considering the competition he is up against.

Schmeichel could command the penalty area like no other and backed it up with incredible athleticism, reactions, and a long throw that could start devastating counter-attacks. Not only was he crucial in United's domination of the 1990s - capping it off with the treble - but without him, Denmark would likely never have come close to winning the 1992 European Championships. Just another sign of Schmeichel's greatness.

Peter Schmeichel's Premier League Stats

All statistics courtesy of the Premier League - accurate as of 02/10/2026.

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