When it comes to fantasy football, the saying “the habit doesn’t make the monk” holds true, especially when selecting goalkeepers. Winning titles doesn’t guarantee that a player will perform well in the fantasy league. Last summer, many fantasy managers faced big mistakes when choosing their starting goalkeeper. Some backed Meret, fresh off winning the Serie A title, while others splashed cash on Maignan, who was deemed the “best in Serie A” on paper. However, both Alex Meret and Mike Maignan had disappointing seasons, with their performances falling short compared to lesser-known goalkeepers like Terracciano, Milinkovic-Savic, and even Montipò.
With lessons learned from last season, this year’s fantasy drafts demand careful consideration. The most important aspect to evaluate is the quality of the defenders protecting your chosen goalkeeper. It’s essential to identify teams with solid defensive records, particularly if you plan to alternate between mid- to low-tier goalkeepers. Last season, Inter’s Sommer finished as the top goalkeeper in Serie A, featuring in 34 matches with an impressive average rating. However, with the arrival of Martinez, who was bought for €15 million, Sommer may find himself on the bench more often this season.
In contrast, the signing of Di Gregorio could prove beneficial. After excelling with Monza, he will now guard the net for Juventus, who had the second-best defense last season. Expecting a revival for both Meret and Maignan could also be wise. However, investing in Maignan may carry risks due to his injury history, missing nine matches last season.
Beyond the star goalkeepers, Italy’s Serie A offers reliable options even from mid to lower-table teams. For those eyeing European spots, Provedel could be a breakout player. Although Lazio hasn’t fully embraced their new coach Baroni, he has a track record of securing solid defenses in his previous coaching stints.
Another dependable choice is Skorupski, who showcased brilliant performances last season and remains a budget-friendly option. For those seeking a quality backup, Wladimiro Falcone is an exciting prospect. His impressive reflexes led to numerous stunning saves, and during the latter half of the previous season, he conceded only nine goals in ten matches with five clean sheets.
For surprise picks, keep an eye on bench players. Musso, the second choice behind Carnesecchi last season, could be a smart low-cost investment. Similarly, Silvestri, Udinese’s backup, made an important contribution by alternating matches with Okoye. A gem to watch out for is Zion Suzuki, the Japanese national team goalkeeper, who is known for his agility and skill with his feet. Long coveted by Manchester United, Suzuki opted for regular playing time to hone his skills.
As fantasy football drafts approach, careful consideration of goalkeepers and their defensive support could make all the difference in a manager’s success this season.