Kasper Schmeichel has faced significant criticism for his recent performances with Celtic. However, the renowned goalkeeper has distinguished himself in the UEFA Europa League. Despite some high-profile mistakes in domestic matches, such as two errors that contributed to Kilmarnock’s goals in a recent win, Schmeichel has excelled in European fixtures.
UEFA Ranks Schmeichel Among Top Goalkeepers
UEFA has ranked Schmeichel as the 7th best goalkeeper in the Europa League based on his performances. Over the last two seasons, he has experienced both highs and lows but has managed to make crucial saves in key moments.
Current Rankings
| Rank | Goalkeeper | Saves | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | De Busser (Go Ahead) | 37 | 14 | 8 | 2 |
| 2 | Olafsson (FC Midtylland) | 35 | 48 | – | – |
| 3 | Tarnovanu (FCSB) | 33 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| 4 | Hits (Basel) | 33 | 11 | 7 | 5 |
| 5 | Keller (Young Boys) | 32 | 16 | 8 | 6 |
| 6 | Schlager (Salzburg) | 31 | 15 | 7 | 5 |
| 7 | Kasper Schmeichel (Celtic) | 30 | 15 | 8 | 7 |
| 8 | Atubolu (Freiburg) | 28 | 44 | – | – |
| 9 | Dyngeland (Brann) | 27 | 11 | – | – |
| 10 | Barkas (Utrecht) | 25 | 11 | – | – |
Former Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas, now with Utrecht, ranks 10th on this list. After a challenging period at Celtic during the COVID pandemic, he has found success in the Dutch league.
Performance Overview
Schmeichel’s journey in the Europa League has been a mix of brilliance and blunders. In a notable defeat to SC Braga, his performance was rated as subpar. Conversely, he showcased his skills during a historic win against Feyenoord, where he earned a commendable score for his crucial saves.
Consistency remains a challenge for Schmeichel this season. If he can find his footing, he could play a pivotal role in both Celtic’s domestic and European aspirations. The potential is there, and fans hope to see more great performances moving forward.
