“Alisson struggles a bit with his feet” - Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel names the best goalkeeper in Premier League right now
Manchester United icon Peter Schmeichel has given his opinion on who he thinks is currently the best shot-stopper in the Premier League. The former Manchester United No. 1 picked Manchester City's Ederson as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League right now, putting him ahead of Liverpool’s Alisson and Arsenal’s David Raya.
Peter Schmeichel had an illustrious career during his playing days in the Premier League. While he played for three different EPL clubs, he achieved a plethora of success at Manchester United, where he won five Premier League titles among other honors to his name. He also won individual awards, one of which included IFFHS World Best Goalkeeper in 1992 and 1993.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the Danish goalkeeper stated that Ederson is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League right now, saying:
''Ederson is fantastic in terms of making big saves and 1v1 situations. Alisson struggles a bit with his feet. There are a few mistakes that he would make that you don’t see from Ederson. That’s the only thing [between them]."
Schmeichel also went on to praise Arsenal No. 1 David Raya, saying:
"David Raya is coming close now too. He has really impressed me. Once he got established as Arsenal’s number one and that competition situation got out of the way and Aaron Ramsdale left, there was a different aura around him. He’s played well and has kept his team in a few games. He’s made some important saves."
He added:
''He has also eradicated all those mistakes that he made from having to be a good footballer. Raya’s mentality gives him that power and not a lot of keepers are doing that. What he does there, which is brilliant, is that he comes out in a period of the game where it’s fantastic and there are so many people in front of him."
During Peter Schmeichel’s time in the Premier League, he kept 129 clean sheets and conceded 287 goals in 310 appearances.
Peter Schmeichel reflects on fiery clash with ex-Manchester United boss that almost cost him his job
Peter Schmeichel revealed an incident where he had an altercation with former Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson during his time at the club. The clash happened after Manchester United drew 3-3 to Liverpool in 1994 after initially leading 3-0.
The Danish said he flared up after Ferguson berated him, which pushed the Scottish manager to threaten him with a sack. He said (via FootBoom);
"Sir Alex Ferguson really came down hard on me after that match. Though our second-half performance was disappointing, I made several crucial saves that I believed kept us in the game. Yet, he still blamed me for my goal kicks consistently reaching 'Razor' Ruddock, who was a staggering 80 yards away."
"I felt victimized, and in the heat of the moment, my temper flared. This incident stands out as one of my greatest regrets in football, and I assure myself it won’t happen again."
Schmeichel continued:
"On a Monday morning, Ferguson summoned me into his office and informed me, 'I’m going to sack you. I can't have a player acting like this.' To which I responded, 'That's fine,' and offered my apologies. He subsequently called an explosive meeting in the dressing room, which showcased him in a way I had never witnessed before."
"His fury was palpable. I had never seen him so worked up during training sessions. After his departure, I took it upon myself to apologize to the squad. I realized my conduct was wholly unacceptable. There are lines you must not cross in football,"
Manchester United will next be in action against Porto today (October 3) for their second Europa League game of the 2024-25 campaign.