Euro 2024

Euro 2024 Fantasy: The best goalkeepers

We’re going position by position on the official Euro 2024 Fantasy game, picking out the best options ahead of Matchday 1.

After looking at defenders and forwards, here we cast our eye over the goalkeepers.

Any playing €4.0m options will be covered in a separate article later today.

The data and stat graphics in this piece come from our Premium Members Area, where subscribers can find tonnes of official Opta/Stats Perform data from the qualifiers and recent friendlies.

There’ll be data from every match in the upcoming tournament, too.


FPL General’s Gameweek 15 team reveal + transfer plans


Koen Casteels

  • Price: €5.0m
  • Country: Belgium
  • Favourable fixtures: MD1 (Slovakia), MD2 (Romania), MD3 (Ukraine)
  • Good for: Managers not using a chip in the group stag

Having earned the trust of manager Domenico Tedesco, Koen Casteels (€5.0m) is preferred to Matz Sels (€4.0m) in goal for a Belgian with the quality to go far at Euro 2024.

Belgium have not lost an international match since unravelling against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup and they sauntered through qualifying for the loss of just four goals. 

The Belgians may be more lauded for their attacking talents but they have kept three clean sheets in their last four matches with Casteels between the sticks. 

In fact, the Wolfsburg shot-stopper has returned six clean sheets in 10 matches for his country and conceded only five goals.

He is flying well under the radar with an ownership of only 3%, meaning if the Red Devils can maintain their strong defensive record – and in a group consisting of Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine there is no reason why not – Casteels owners will be laughing.

Diogo Costa

  • Price: €5.0m
  • Country: Portugal
  • Favourable fixtures: MD1 (Czech Rep), MD2 (Turkey), MD3 (Georgia)
  • Good for: Managers not using a chip in the group stage

Like Belgium, Portugal boast a galaxy of stars in offensive areas but Diogo Costa (€5.0m) is a talent who can shine at the other end of the pitch.

The Porto No. 1 enjoyed a fantastic domestic season, keeping more clean sheets (14) in the Primeira Liga than any goalkeeper and giving a standout display in the Portuguese Cup final.

He has been equally impressive for the national team, keeping 12 clean sheets in 22 matches and contributing to the remarkable run of 11 straight victories that marked Roberto Martinez’s opening sequence in charge of the Selecao. Costa was present for seven of those wins.

The 24-year-old also has a reputation for saving penalties. He set a Champions League record by saving a spot-kick in three consecutive matches in the 2022/23 season, a skill which could reward managers should Portugal go deep in the tournament.

Portugal have had a wobble since storming through their qualifiers, losing two of their four friendlies – 2-0 to Slovenia and 2-1 to Croatia – but Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Ireland suggests they are back in business.

Portugal have also been dealt the kindest of hands in terms of group opponents Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia, all of which suggests Costa, with an ownership of 13%, can be a welcome set-and-forget option in an often troublesome position in Fantasy.

Andrey Lunin

  • Price: €4.5m
  • Country: Ukraine
  • Favourable fixtures: MD1 (Romania), MD2 (Slovakia)
  • Good for: Managers using a chip in MD3

Andrey Lunin (€4.5m) enjoyed a truly brilliant season at Real Madrid where he proved a reliable replacement for the injured Thibault Courtois, memorably saving from Bernardo Silva (€8.5m) in the Champions League quarter-final shootout against Manchester City.

He also kept 12 clean sheets in 31 matches as Real swept aside all before them, losing only twice all season in all competitions.

The 25-year-old was unfortunate to be dropped in favour of Courtois for the Champions League final but there will hopefully be no such selection concerns in Germany, where he is expected to be the no. 1 ahead of Anatoliy Trubin (€5.0m). 

In 11 matches for Ukraine, Lunin has kept five clean sheets and conceded eight goals. Crucially, Ukraine start off with two relatively favourable fixtures against Romania and Slovakia, so Lunin can be replaced for the final group game against Belgium, after having returned in the first two Matchdays. 

The only downside to owning Lunin is that he is selected in 19% of teams, so he’s no big differential – but there are several good reasons for that, including his price tag.

Jordan Pickford

  • Price: €5.0m
  • Country: England
  • Favourable fixtures: MD1 (Serbia), MD2 (Denmark), MD3 Slovenia
  • Good for: Managers not using a chip/Managers using a chip in MD2

An experienced campaigner at international level, Jordan Pickford (€5.0m) has helped England reach the final and the semi-finals of his last two tournaments and is a shoo-in to start for Gareth Southgate’s side.

That Everton avoided relegation last season was in no small part down to their outstanding goalkeeper. Only David Raya (€5.0m) kept more clean sheets than Pickford, who managed 13 shut outs and was the top-scoring keeper in Fantasy Premier League with 153 points.

Little wonder that 24% of managers have selected him, even if England’s defensive problems are a concern. Everton’s no 1 didn’t play in the friendly loss to Iceland but England have won only one of their last five matches and Pickford has kept just two clean sheets in his last eight international outings.

The Three Lions have been giving up chances in recent friendlies, and the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic (€7.0m), Rasmus Hojlund (€7.0m) and Benjamin Sesko (€7.0m) will be poised to exploit any weaknesses. Equally, their presence could play into Pickford’s hands, in terms of save-point potential.

The good news for the English is that John Stones (€5.0m) appears to have overcome his ankle injury and sickness bug and should start on Matchday 1, strengthening Pickford’s prospects of clean sheets, in what appears to be a relatively benign group.

Bart Verbruggen

  • Price: €4.5m
  • Country: The Netherlands
  • Favourable fixtures: MD1 (Poland), MD2 (France), MD3 (Austria)
  • Good for: Managers not using a chip/Managers using a chip in MD2

Bart Verbruggen (€4.5m) makes for an excellent choice for keeper seekers in Euro Fantasy.

The Brighton goalkeeper has cemented his place as the Netherlands’ no. 1 since being promoted from the under-21s and has produced five clean sheets in his seven senior appearances for the Oranje.

Last season he kept seven clean sheets for the Seagulls in all competitions and had a save percentage of 71.4% – just behind Pickford’s 73.3%. In Euro qualifying, that percentage shot up to 80%.

The Dutch come into the tournament in rude health, having won six of their last seven matches – and three of their last four by a 4-0 scoreline.

Protected by a solid defence that includes Virgil van Dijk (€6.0m), Nathan Ake (€5.5m) and Matthijs De Ligt (€5.5m), Verbruggen has an excellent chance of returning for owners. However, it’ll be worth resting him for Matchday 2 when Ronald Koeman’s side face France in what is likely to be an open game.

On Matchday 1, the Dutch play a Poland side who will be without forwards Robert Lewandowski (€9.5m), Arkadiusz Milik and probably also Karol Swiderski (€5.5m). Albania on Matchday 3 should also be an encounter devoid of complications. 

At €4.5m, the Dutchman is superbly priced. With an ownership of only 6%, he makes for a tempting differential.

51 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 5 Years
    5 months, 29 days ago

    A or B

    A) Wirtz, Sudakov
    B) Musiala, Guler

    1. Moxon
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      A

    2. Coast94
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      A

  2. Moxon
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 29 days ago

    Let's have some fun!

    Verbruggen
    VVD | Dimarco | Mittelstadt
    Pedri | Majer | Sudakov | Veerman
    Kane | Mbappe | Lukaku

    Moldovan | Bruno | Cancelo | Faes

    1. Coast94
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      Love the Sudakov pick!

  3. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 29 days ago

    What's with the sudden shift in interest to Guler over Calhanoglu? Is Guler nailed?

    1. Men in green tights
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      Wouldn’t say it’s a sudden shift it’s more the fact that positive comments have been made on here from people who I think follow the team , I did have him in my team initially then swapped him out but now he is in again luckily enough they have the early kickoff.

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      Not really nailed, that's the main issue. But would likely play as a 10 & looks a bit more exciting than Çalhanoğlu, who seems to play a deeper role for Turkey (although still has set pieces & pens I believe)

  4. Coast94
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 29 days ago

    Thoughts? A few fun picks to mix things up!

    Verbruggen, Lunin
    Cancelo, Dimarco, Widmer, Mittelstadt, Faes
    Bruno, Gundo, Szobo, Kvaratskhelia, Sudakov
    Mbappe, Kane, Lukaku

    1. stamboy
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 28 days ago

      Like it apart from Kvaratskhelia but I guess he could be a good differential and is their main man. Most people seem to be going for those 3 strikers.

  5. CoracAld2831
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    5 months, 29 days ago

    Please pick a triple you like more:

    A: KDB & Kroos & Shaqiri
    B: Trossard & Wirtz & Szoboszlai

    I already have Lukaku & Fernandes.

    1. Steavn8k
      • 1 Year
      5 months, 29 days ago

      B seems most exciting. I have Trossard and Wirtz myself and Lukaku and Fernandes aswell.

  6. CoracAld2831
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    5 months, 29 days ago

    Also:

    Pick a goalie pairing you like more:

    A: Moldovan & Costa
    B: Verbruggen & Lunin

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      I'm going with B, but A looks fine too - just haven't really considered Costa as I have 3 outfield players from Portugal

      1. CoracAld2831
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        5 months, 29 days ago

        Fair. I myself only have one (Bruno) at the moment.

    2. stamboy
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 28 days ago

      Tricky! Toss a coin.

  7. Dogs Of War
    • 3 Years
    5 months, 29 days ago

    Where has all the love for Sudakov come from? What does he bring to the table?

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      Relative newcomer to Ukraine side but 4 attacking returns in the last 5 qualifying games, goal & 2 assists in the last friendly.

      From the Guardian preview:
      "At the beginning of the qualifying campaign, Shakhtar’s 21-year-old midfielder Georgiy Sudakov unexpectedly became Rebrov’s main man. By the end, he had played the most minutes of anyone. Sudakov is the biggest star of the Ukrainian league and, with Premier League clubs interested, will be the next player to bring his club big money – at least €60m (£51m), according to reports. Euro 2024 will be his platform and he is highly motivated to do his best and earn a move to a top league."

    2. The Hunt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      Does he start? I've seen him missing from some predicted line ups.

      1. The Hunt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        5 months, 29 days ago

        Forget it...wrong guy.

    3. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 28 days ago

      Sudakream everywhere!

  8. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 months, 29 days ago

    Good evening all!!

    Preferred option here??

    A- Kane and Wirtz
    Or
    B- Ronaldo and Saka

    Cheers everyone!!

    1. Udogie-style
      • 1 Year
      5 months, 29 days ago

      B

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 months, 29 days ago

        Cheers mate!!! Currently on B!!

    2. stamboy
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 28 days ago

      Wirtz and Ronaldo.

  9. Bushman
    • 8 Years
    5 months, 29 days ago

    B

    1. Bushman
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      ...assuming Saka is fit

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 months, 29 days ago

        Cheers mate!! Currently leaning that way!!

  10. I Member
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 29 days ago

    A) Saka + Musiala
    B) Bellingham + Wirtz

    1. Udogie-style
      • 1 Year
      5 months, 29 days ago

      B

    2. PartyTime
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      A

  11. Udogie-style
    • 1 Year
    5 months, 29 days ago

    With 'Bibgate' causing some uncertainty over Dumfries, I did some mild tinkering and worked out I can actually afford a 6m defender. Better to keep one Holland and opt for VVD, or go for Cancelo and have 3 Portugal on the bench ready to come on as subs?

    1. I Member
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      Depends on your chip strategy I think. VVD if only for MD1, Cancelo if MD1 and 2.

  12. Ginkapo FPL
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 29 days ago

    Come on Neale! Diego Costa is a forward. Get your mickey mouse reporting in order. This is not what Virg expects from FFS

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 28 days ago

      Shh, if you say his name too many times he'll appear. No one wants that.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 13 Years
        5 months, 28 days ago

        Neale Neale Neale

        1. St Pauli Walnuts
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 months, 28 days ago

          I meant the other one referenced. Phew.

          1. BUZZBOMB ♡
            • 9 Years
            5 months, 28 days ago

            Reckon he didnt get the contributor job then. That and still no Enzo Maresca article have tipped him over the edge.

            Feteshizen.

            Hope Im wrong for jobbies and giggles.

  13. Steavn8k
    • 1 Year
    5 months, 29 days ago

    What are your thoughts on Mbappe after missing out on training today? Will he play on monday?

    1. azz007
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      Mbappe. Theo all doubts in training today. Overdrive

    2. I Member
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      Might be the excuse I need to switch to Ronaldo. I expect him to play but is Austria + Netherlands for Mbappe better than Czechia + Turkey for Ronaldo?

      1. Steavn8k
        • 1 Year
        5 months, 29 days ago

        Difficult to say, but I've gone with Bruno as my Potugal guy

        1. I Member
          • 9 Years
          5 months, 29 days ago

          I will definitely have Bruno. Not against doubling up.

    3. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 28 days ago

      With it being the Monday game, still a good few days to recover from illness. Can't see him not starting. My Kaneless team getting a bit itchy though and will be looking for news.

  14. Chazz69
    • 8 Years
    5 months, 29 days ago

    Going different that bandwagon teams.

    Lunin-(Costa)
    Mittelstadt-Dumfries-Cancelo-(Gvardiol-Frimpong)
    Pedri-Musiala-Rodri-Calhanoglu-(Xhaka)
    Ronaldo-Griezmann(C)-Varga

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 29 days ago

      Like that Varga pick

  15. Reubendacosta@gmail.com
      5 months, 28 days ago

      Really wanted to go for
      A- Ronaldo + Trossard. instead of the template
      B- Lukaku + Fernandes

      But it's scary the number of plp going with B .
      Also Bs gametime would be better

      Do you think A could pay off?

      1. Club-De-Belon
        • 3 Years
        5 months, 28 days ago

        Trossard over Lukaku could.
        Ronaldo over Fernandes probably not.

    • Club-De-Belon
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 28 days ago

      RMT 3,5 ITB : player (fixture-date)

      Dubravka (BEL-17)

      Mittelstadt (SCO-14) + Dimarco (ALB15) + Frimpong (POL-16) + Guehi (SER-16)

      Musiala and Wirtz (SCO-14) + Jorginho (ALB-15) + KDB (SVK-17)

      Kane (SER-16) + Sesko (DEN-16)

      Cakir (GEO-18) + Castagne (SVK-17) + Leao (CZE-18) Calhanoglu (GEO-18)

      - not sure about Frimpong, Jorginho (rather Chiesa but I think Denmark are overestimated in defence), Guehi (TAA+Walker+Trippier) and I do not care about GKs

      1. Club-De-Belon
        • 3 Years
        5 months, 28 days ago

        maybe Jorginho + Frimpong > Fernandes + Mancini or Kounde or De Vrij?