Guide: Goalkeeper

How the goalkeeper rating is built

The goalkeeper position rating is calculated from the following attributes:

• Saves — by far the heaviest attribute.
• Defending — reading the game and commanding the box.
• Mental strength — composure under pressure and after conceding.
• Experience — only built through matches played.
• Set pieces — how you defend free kicks, penalties and corners.
• Passing — distribution and starting attacks.
• Playmaking — acting as the eleventh outfield player in possession.
• Stamina — holding concentration for the full 90 minutes.
• Technique — goalkeeping technique, footwork and movement in goal.

Several routes to the top

Pure shot stopper: saves and defending first, then mental strength — the fastest way into a starting eleven in the lower divisions.

Set-piece specialist: invest early in set pieces so free kicks, penalties and corners against your team become far less dangerous.

Ball-playing keeper: passing, playmaking and technique turn you into an extra outfield player — valuable at possession clubs and often the difference in national team selection.

Speciality

Reflexes is the safest pick. Leader suits the mental route, and Technical lifts the ball-playing keeper.

Common mistakes

• Spreading points evenly — you end up on the bench.
• Joining a club that already has a strong human goalkeeper.

There are several routes to the top

No single build is the correct one. Two players in the same position can reach Division 1 and the national team in completely different ways — a specialist who is extreme in one or two attributes, or a broader player who is solid at everything and therefore fits more tactics.

• The specialist route: pour everything into the heaviest attributes of your position and become irreplaceable in that role.
• The all-round route: build several position ratings at once so you always get minutes — minutes give experience, and experience can only be trained through matches.
• Set pieces and mental strength lift every position and are often underrated.
• Adapt to your coach's philosophy and to the positions your squad is thin in.
• The national team picks the best in the country per position — there is room for both specialists and complete players.