9 Goalkeepers With Most Assists in Premier League History

The goalkeeper position is often dubbed the loneliest on the pitch – standing as the last line of defence, watching the action unfold from a distance. But now and then, a goalkeeper decides to rewrite the script. Whether it’s boredom or the desire to make their mark, some goalkeepers refuse to be passive spectators. And in the Premier League, this is no exception.

Some keepers fancy themselves as dribblers, dodging oncoming attackers like an out-of-place No. 10. Others embrace the art of mind games, offering sly grins and quick words to taunt their opponents. But perhaps the most exciting breed? The playmaking shot-stoppers – those who, when their team needs a spark, launch a precise ball over the top like a quarterback, turning defence into attack in a heartbeat.

With Ederson’s stunning assist to Omar Marmoush against Newcastle on February 15, we take a look at the nine goalkeepers with the most assists in Premier League history. Unsurprisingly, Joe Hart doesn’t make the cut, prompting Gary Lineker to humorously mock the former Man City keeper during a live segment on Match of the Day (watch the video below).

Low blow, @GaryLineker #BBCFootball #MOTD #MCINEW pic.twitter.com/5nT4ukrQtu

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 15, 2025

Mark Crossley (3 Premier League assists)

Premier League clubs: Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Fulham

Mark Crossley is one of just five goalkeepers to record three Premier League assists, a testament to his consistency throughout the 1990s. After early spells at Fulham and Middlesbrough, his most notable period in England’s top flight came with Nottingham Forest, where the Wales international made over 300 league appearances for the club across a decade.

Though he never claimed any silverware during his peak years, Crossley remains in the exclusive group of goalkeepers with more than one assist in the Premier League—an impressive feat for a player not known for the unorthodox playing style seen in others on this list.

Jussi Jaaskelainen (3 Premier League assists)

Premier League clubs: Bolton Wanderers & West Ham

Few careers epitomize the 'Barclays' Premier League more than Jussi Jaaskelainen’s. With stints at Bolton, West Ham, and Wigan, the Finnish goalkeeper’s most impressive form came during his time under Sam Allardyce at Bolton. Jaaskelainen was the epitome of a cult hero keeper—equally capable of pulling off stunning saves or producing game-changing moments of madness, with no way of predicting which one was coming next.

His finest moment came in a 1-0 win at Blackburn in 2006/07, when he saved two penalties in just three minutes, helping Bolton briefly rise to third in the table behind Manchester United and Chelsea. Along with more than 100 clean sheets in the Premier League, Jaaskelainen also boasts three assists, solidifying his "streets won’t forget" legacy.

Peter Schmiechel (3 Premier League assists)

Premier League clubs: Manchester United, Aston Villa, Manchester City

Although Peter Schmeichel wasn't known for being a prolific scorer, he made quite an impact in the goalkeeper world. The Manchester United legend had previously netted six goals for Hvidovre and two for Brøndby before adding a memorable volley for Aston Villa. He also scored for United in a UEFA Cup match against Rotor Volgograd in 1995.

Despite his occasional forays into the opposition's box, Schmeichel’s somewhat selfish approach in front of goal resulted in just three assists during his Premier League career. Nevertheless, his total of five goal involvements for English clubs ensures that Schmeichel is always mentioned by commentary teams and fans alike whenever a goalkeeper ventures forward in stoppage time.

Remember when Peter Schmeichel scored this volley for Aston Villa?pic.twitter.com/zJILkWH8Hf

— 90s Football (@90sfootball) August 27, 2018

Tim Howard (3 Premier League assists)

Premier League clubs: Manchester United & Everton

Tim Howard, hailing from an American background where sports like baseball, basketball, ice hockey, and American football were more popular than soccer, made a smooth transition to football. His impressive skills with his giant hands made him one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Premier League history, playing for Everton from 2006 to 2017 and cementing his legacy as one of the best U.S. footballers of all time.

Known for his punter-like kicking power, Howard could quickly launch Everton into attack. In addition to his three assists, he famously scored an incredible 80-yard strike against Bolton Wanderers in 2012, lobbing goalkeeper Adam Bogdan. Howard, however, was quick to apologize, feeling that the swirling wind had played a big role in the unusual goal.

Alisson (3 Premier League assists)

Premier League clubs: Liverpool

No recent goalkeeping moment has been as dramatic as Alisson's late header against West Brom in 2021, which secured Liverpool's Champions League qualification. His 95th-minute winner proved crucial, stabilizing a season plagued by injuries and preventing the club from slipping further down.

Widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, Alisson now has a chant that celebrates that iconic moment. The song also highlights his seamless link-up play with Mohamed Salah. When Alisson claims the ball, opposing defenders are warned not to switch off, as he’s capable of threading a pinpoint pass—possibly even through someone's letterbox—if it means putting the ball in Salah’s path.

Every other Liverpool player was out on their feet by this point, as Alisson sprints past them all to celebrate his assist with Salah pic.twitter.com/fF51zxfzGl

— James Nalton (@JDNalton) January 19, 2020

David Seaman (4 Premier League assists)

Premier League clubs: Arsenal & Manchester City

One of the Premier League's greatest goalkeepers, David Seaman earned two league titles with Arsenal under Arsène Wenger, solidifying his place in football history. As England’s former number one, Seaman was a key figure in a legendary Gunners defence that prided itself on resilience, with only three goalkeepers in the division’s history keeping more clean sheets than his 141.

Seaman also registered four assists during his distinguished 12-year Premier League career, which later saw him move to Manchester City before retiring from football in 2004.

Pepe Reina (4 Premier League assists)

Premier League clubs: Liverpool & Aston Villa

Rafael Benitez signed his fellow Spaniard Pepe Reina for Liverpool in 2005, despite Jerzy Dudek's iconic Champions League final heroics just months earlier. The decision proved to be a brilliant one, as Reina quickly established himself as one of the Premier League's best goalkeepers, winning the Golden Glove award for three consecutive seasons from 2006 to 2008.

Throughout his time in English football, Reina not only demonstrated his exceptional shot-stopping ability but also provided four assists, including a perfectly weighted long ball to Albert Riera in a 2009 victory over Aston Villa. At times, it seemed as though Reina, frustrated with the shortcomings of the Reds' attacking play, took matters into his own hands with hopeful, well-placed passes — offering fans a refreshing change from the struggles of players like Andriy Voronin.

Paul Robinson (5 Premier League assists)

Premier League clubs: Leeds United, Tottenham, Blackburn, Burnley

Paul Robinson, the former goalkeeper for Leeds, Spurs, and Blackburn, once held the record for the most Premier League assists by a keeper, with five assists over his nearly two-decade career at the top level of English football.

Known for his powerful kicks, Robinson's boot was not just used for playmaking but also for scoring. In 2007, he made history with a remarkable goal against Watford. A 95-yard clearance looped over Ben Foster, who was caught off guard, and the ball bounced over him into the net, earning Robinson a place in Premier League folklore.

Ederson (6 Premier League assists)

Premier League clubs: Manchester City

Joe Hart once suggested that most goalkeeper assists come from hopeful balls forward rather than precise through-balls, but it seems the Englishman hasn't been paying enough attention to Ederson in recent years. The Brazilian shot-stopper is known for his flair, and even after temporarily losing his number one spot to Stefan Ortega for being too adventurous, he's continued to play like a midfielder since his return to Manchester City.

Ederson's actions around his six-yard box aren't by accident. While he's prone to the occasional mistake, the 31-year-old is also adept at picking out an attacker for a quick-fire goal. His sixth assist came in a recent 4-0 victory over Newcastle, when he set up Omar Marmoush for his first goal at the club—before going on to score two more in the same match.