In modern football, goalkeepers are rated based on a combination of traditional statistics, advanced analytics, and subjective factors. Here’s an overview of how goalkeepers are rated:

1. Traditional Statistics:

• Saves: The number of shots a goalkeeper successfully stops is one of the most fundamental ways to rate them. A high number of saves, especially from close range or difficult shots, can significantly boost a goalkeeper’s rating.
• Clean Sheets: A clean sheet, meaning the goalkeeper doesn’t concede any goals in a match, is an important indicator of a goalkeeper’s performance. It reflects their ability to maintain composure and protect their goal.
• Goals Conceded: The fewer goals a goalkeeper concedes, the better their rating. However, it’s important to consider the quality of opposition and the number of shots faced.
• Save Percentage: This is the ratio of saves made to shots faced. A goalkeeper who saves a high percentage of shots faced is seen as more effective.
• Distribution: How well a goalkeeper distributes the ball to their teammates (through passes, long balls, or goal kicks) is important, particularly for teams that play a possession-based game.

2. Advanced Analytics:

• Expected Goals on Target (xGOT): This metric calculates the expected goals a goalkeeper should have conceded based on the shots they faced, considering factors like shot distance, angle, and other factors. A goalkeeper who performs better than their xGOT value is rated more highly, as they are saving more goals than expected.
• Post-Shot Expected Goals (PSxG): This stat measures the quality of a goalkeeper’s shot-stopping ability by assessing how many goals they should have conceded from the shots taken against them, based on shot location and circumstances. A goalkeeper with a positive PSxG is performing better than expected.
• Sweeper Keeper Ability: A goalkeeper’s ability to act as an additional defender outside their penalty box is rated, particularly for teams that rely on high defensive lines.
• High-Pressure Saves: The importance of a save in critical moments, such as a penalty save or stopping a late game-winning shot, can weigh heavily on a goalkeeper’s rating.

3. Subjective Factors:

• Commanding the Box: A goalkeeper’s ability to dominate their penalty area — coming out to claim crosses, organizing the defense, and maintaining authority in the box — plays a huge role in their rating.
• Decision-Making: Goalkeepers who consistently make the right decisions under pressure (such as when to come off their line or when to stay rooted to the spot) are rated highly.
• Leadership: The ability to organize the defense, communicate clearly with teammates, and lead by example is an often-overlooked factor in rating goalkeepers.
• Mental Toughness: Goalkeepers who can remain calm and focused under pressure, even after conceding, are often rated higher for their psychological resilience.

4. Situational Metrics:

• Penalties Saved: A goalkeeper’s ability to save penalties is highly valued, especially during shootouts or when facing high-pressure penalty takers.
• Defensive Contribution: Goalkeepers who play a more integral role in organizing defensive schemes, or those who help in high pressing systems, are rated highly for their overall contribution to team defense.
• Claiming Crosses: The ability to claim or punch away crosses, particularly in aerial duels, is an important skill for many top goalkeepers.

5. Tools and Technology:

• Goalkeeper-Specific Data Providers: Companies like Opta and StatsBomb provide detailed goalkeeper data, breaking down saves, expected goals, and various other statistics.
• Performance Metrics in EA Sports (FIFA Series): In video games like FIFA, goalkeeper ratings are influenced by save percentages, clean sheets, and specific in-game performance metrics. These ratings are widely used by fans to discuss goalkeeper performances, although they’re based on in-game mechanics.

6. Example of Key Metrics for Goalkeepers:

• Total Saves/Save Percentage: Key indicators of shot-stopping ability.
• Expected Goals Against (xGA): The number of goals a goalkeeper is expected to concede based on the quality of shots they face.
• Punches and Claims: The number of times a goalkeeper successfully claims or punches away a ball, especially in aerial duels.
• Crosses Dealt With: The ability to deal with crosses is crucial for goalkeepers who face teams with strong aerial play.