The ISL has seen some fantastic shot-stopping goalkeepers over the ten years. ISL goalkeepers consistently deliver top-notch performances, from stalwarts like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Arindam Bhattacharya to rising stars like Vishal Kaith and Phurba Lachenpa.
Similar to the Premier League, the Indian Super League (ISL) has seen increasing importance placed on the role of the goalkeeper. Gone are the days of simply making saves on the line.
Goalkeepers in modern football deliver authority in their area, distribute the ball effectively with their hands and feet, and even take part in initiating attacks.
With the 2023-24 season recently concluded, let’s take a look at the 5 best ISL goalkeepers who impressed this season:
Table of Contents
Top 5 Indian Super League Goalkeepers
| # | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHURBA TEMPA LACHENPA | Mumbai City FC |
| 2 | AMRINDER RANJIT SINGH | Odisha FC |
| 3 | VISHAL KAITH | Mohun Bagan Super Giant |
| 4 | ARSHDEEP SINGH SAINI | FC Goa |
| 5 | PRABHSUKHAN SINGH GILL | Emami East Bengal FC |
5. PRABHSUKHAN SINGH GILL (Emami East Bengal FC)
Player Details
| Date of Birth | Jan 2, 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Ludhiana, Punjab |
| Height | 182cm |
| Foot | Left |
| Player Agent | Four flags |
First, we talk about young star goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. He has emerged as a bright prospect for Emami East Bengal. Former ISL golden gloves holder of ISL 2021-22 holder showcased his talent beautifully for Emami East Bengal.
Despite the club’s defensive struggles, Gill showcased his reflexes and shot-stopping ability with some crucial saves throughout the season.
Even though East Bengal struggled to record clean sheets, Gill’s quick thinking and foresight in one-on-one scenarios often came to the rescue.
Gill concentrates on the game in high-pressure moments and single-handedly saves his team. Throughout the season, he was consistent between the posts and produced outstanding outcomes.
However, Gill is still a work in progress. His distribution needs refinement, and decision-making in certain situations could be improved. Nevertheless, his raw talent and hunger to learn make him a name to watch for the future.
Indian Super League 2023-24 Stats
| Clean Sheets | 7 |
| GK Successful Distribution | 198 |
| Saves | 54 |
| Clearances | 13 |
| Passes Per Match | 25 |
4. ARSHDEEP SINGH SAINI (FC GOA)
Player Details
| Date of Birth | Oct 6,1997 |
| Place of Birth | Chandigarh |
| Height | 181cm |
| Foot | Right |
| Player Agent | TRP Sports |
Arshdeep Singh Saini newly found himself in FC Goa this season under Manolo Márquez Roca. He spent an excellent season with the Gaurs in the 2023-24 campaign.
FC Goa’s improved performance this season was mainly due to his outstanding goalkeeping skills. In the first leg of ISL, he was in his top form.
His reflexes were on point, pulling off acrobatic saves to deny opponents clear-cut goals. Arshdeep also displayed good command of his area, communicating effectively with his backline and organizing them during set pieces.
While his clean sheet numbers were highest in the first leg. But he did not play most of the match in the second leg. Arshdeep’s impact on Goa’s defensive solidity cannot be underestimated.
He instilled confidence in the backline and made crucial interventions at vital moments. His distribution skills are also positive, with his ability to launch quick counter-attacks from the back.
Indian Super League 2023-24 Stats
| Clean Sheets | 7 |
| GK Successful Distribution | 86 |
| Saves | 22 |
| Clearances | 19 |
| Passes Per Match | 25 |
3. VISHAL KAITH (Mohun Bagan Super Giants)
Player Details
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Rohru, Himachal Pradesh |
| Height | 187cm |
| Foot | Right |
| Player Agent | World1 Sports |
Vishal Kaith is a last year’s Golden Gloves winner. In ISL history, he is one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers. Vishal has been an asset for the Mariners since coming in 2022. Juan Ferrando’s playing style, Vishal was the vital man in build-up play from the back.
It was his duty not just to save shots. But also to distribute the ball, make accurate passes, and initiate the attack from the back. Also, in Habas’s era, he remained a reliable figure in goal for Mohun Bagan SG.
His experience and leadership were crucial in guiding the backline. Kaith displayed a good understanding of the game, making timely decisions when to come off his line or stay rooted to his spot, and his one-to-one stopping ability helped Mohun Bagan SG to win the ISL Shield.
While clean sheets weren’t as frequent as in previous seasons, Kaith’s shot-stopping ability remained world-class. He made spectacular saves throughout the campaign, keeping his team in contention several times. His distribution is commendable, often finding attacking players with long throws and accurate punts.
Indian Super League 2023-24 Stats
| Clean Sheets | 9 |
| GK Successful Distribution | 244 |
| Saves | 50 |
| Clearances | 28 |
| Passes Per Match | 25 |
2. AMRINDER RANJIT SINGH (Odisha FC)
Player Details
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Mahilpur, Punjab |
| Height | 186cm |
| Foot | Right |
| Player Agent | TRP Sports |
Veteran one of the best ISL goalkeeper among many talented goalkeepers, Amrinder Singh finished this season on his way. He finished this season with the second-highest clean sheet record for the 2023-24 ISL Season.
Amrinder Singh’s contribution to Odisha FC’s success cannot be underestimated. He is calm and composed between the sticks. For the Juggernauts, he is a leader from the back.
The experienced custodian led by example, marshalling his defence with authority and making crucial interventions. He registered a decent number of clean sheets, a testament to his ability to organize his backline and make vital saves.
Amrinder is a complete goalkeeper with a strong presence in the box. He’s excellent at commanding his area, claiming crosses confidently and communicating effectively with his defenders.
At the same time, his distribution might not be eye-catching. He is not a ball-playing goalkeeper. As a result, his passing accuracy is low. It should be improved in the future for more success.
Indian Super League 2023-24 Stats
| Clean Sheets | 9 |
| GK Successful Distribution | 222 |
| Saves | 81 |
| Clearances | 28 |
| Passes Per Match | 32 |
1. PHURBA TEMPA LACHENPA (Mumbai City FC)
Player Details
| Date of Birth | Feb 4, 1998 |
| Place of birth | Lachen, Sikkim |
| Height | 183 cm |
| Foot | Right |
| Player agent | TRP Sports |
Lastly, we have Phurba Lachenpa, who stands tall as the undisputed number one in the ISL 2023-24 campaign. After leaving Amrinder Singh from Mumbai City, he was the number one choice for the goalkeeping position.
He took the Highlanders to the next level in goalkeeping last year. Last time, they won the ISL Shield, and this year, they are also in the race for the ISL Shield but unfortunately miss it. His hands helped to secure the ISL Cup in the 2023-24 campaign.
His consistent brilliance throughout the season solidified Mumbai City FC’s defence and played a pivotal role in their title charge. Lachenpa registered the most clean sheets in the league, showcasing his phenomenal shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure.
But Lachenpa’s value extends far beyond clean sheets. He’s a modern-day goalkeeper, adept at playing out from the back and initiating attacks with his precise distribution. His composure on the ball allowed Mumbai to confidently build from the back, providing a foundation for their attacking prowess.
Last words
The ISL is fortunate to have a wealth of skilled ISL goalkeepers. Each of them has extraordinary talents that will be an asset to the nation.
These are only a handful of the outstanding goalies that have captured fans’ attention and changed the course of their teams’ destination. It will be wonderful to watch these goalkeepers and fresh talent develop as the league continues to change, stretching the limits of Indian football’s greatness.
Which goalie do you believe is the greatest in the ISL?
Leave a comment below with your ideas, and let’s continue the discussion!
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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