A new statistical tool is reshaping the way soccer goalkeepers are measured. Developed by Daniel J. Marcolongo and Bret R. Myers, Total Goalkeeper Performance — abbreviated TGP — aggregates both defensive and offensive actions from the English Premier League into a single score.
How TGP Is Calculated
TGP weaves together four core dimensions: shot‑stopping, measured by expected goals against and actual goals conceded; cross‑stopping, which weighs claimed and punched crosses; sweeping, counting defensive actions outside the penalty area; and distribution, tracked via pass completion and long‑pass accuracy. Each component receives a weight that reflects the typical possession style of the keeper’s team.
Link to Team Success
Analysis of eight Premier League seasons involving 70 goalkeepers reveals a moderate positive correlation between TGP and a team’s expected point total. The metric explains roughly 22.5 % of the variance in those expectations, suggesting that a goalkeeper’s influence extends beyond spectacular saves.
The study quantifies the impact of a one‑unit increase in TGP: over a 38‑match season it corresponds to an additional 1.75 to 4.64 points for the team. Such a range can be the difference between a Champions League spot and a mid‑table finish.
Beyond the Numbers
Because TGP is built from season‑long data, it remains applicable across changing squads and tactical trends. Clubs can use the score to compare prospective signings, identify undervalued talent, and fine‑tune defensive strategies that align with a keeper’s strengths.
The methodology, calculations and potential applications are detailed in the full study, offering analysts a transparent framework for integrating goalkeeper performance into broader soccer analytics.