When it comes to FIFA 22, having a strong goalkeeper can be the difference between winning and losing. While attackers and midfielders often steal the spotlight, your goalkeeper is the last line of defense. Mastering goalkeeper controls, positioning, and tactics can give you a massive edge. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to become unbeatable between the sticks in FIFA 22.

1. Understanding Goalkeeper Controls

Before anything else, you need to know how to use your keeper effectively.

  • Move Keeper: Hold Triangle (PS) / Y (Xbox) to rush the goalkeeper out.

  • Manual Control: Press L1 + Triangle (PS) / LB + Y (Xbox) to take direct control.

  • Save Types:

    • Standing Saves (for long shots) – Simply let the AI handle positioning.

    • Diving Saves (for near-post or corners) – Time your dive with the right stick.

    • 1v1 Saves – Use the Spread Save (R3 click in some versions) or rush keeper wisely.

👉 Tip: Don’t rush out recklessly; a skilled opponent can chip you easily.

2. Positioning is Key

Goalkeeper positioning in FIFA 22 is often overlooked. The AI does a decent job, but manual tweaks can save goals.

  • Cutting Angles: Step forward slightly when the attacker approaches to reduce shot options.

  • Near Post Coverage: Always guard the near post—many players exploit this with power shots.

  • Corners & Crosses: Move your keeper a step or two off the line to claim crosses.

👉 Pro Trick: Use the right stick (RS) to move your keeper during penalties and open play.

3. Mastering 1v1 Situations

One-on-one situations are the hardest for goalkeepers, but with the right approach, you can win most of them.

  • Stay Big: Don’t rush too early—make the striker second-guess.

  • Last-Second Rush: If the attacker is too close, sprint out to block the shot.

  • Fake Movement: Shift slightly to bait your opponent into shooting one way, then dive the other.

👉 Extra Tip: In FUT Champs, top players often finesse in 1v1. Anticipate this and move your keeper accordingly.

4. Penalty Kick Mastery

Saving penalties is more about mind games than reflexes.

  • Watch the opponent’s run-up and body angle.

  • Use the right stick to dive early (FIFA 22 has less reaction time).

  • Sometimes staying in the middle works against panenka attempts.

👉 Pro Tip: In online matches, slightly move your keeper left or right before the shot—it distracts your opponent.

5. Best Goalkeepers in FIFA 22

Here are some keepers to consider for Career Mode and FUT:

🔥 Best for Career Mode (Young Talents)

  • Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) – 91 Potential

  • Maarten Vandevoordt (Genk) – 87 Potential

  • Diogo Costa (Porto) – 86 Potential

  • Illan Meslier (Leeds) – 85 Potential

🔥 Best for FUT (Meta Goalkeepers)

  • Alisson (Liverpool) – Great reflexes and positioning

  • Ederson (Man City) – Distribution king

  • Donnarumma (PSG) – Overpowered shot-stopper

  • Jan Oblak (Atletico) – Reliable all-rounder

6. Custom Tactics for Defending

Improving your overall defense helps your goalkeeper perform better.

  • Defensive Width: 40–50 (keeps shape compact).

  • Depth: 40–45 (prevents through balls that expose your keeper).

  • Player Instructions:

    • Full-backs on Stay Back While Attacking.

    • CDMs on Cut Passing Lanes.

👉 Less pressure on your keeper means fewer dangerous shots to deal with.

7. Extra Pro Tips

  • Use GK Gloves Chemistry Style (FUT) – improves handling and saves.

  • Practice in Skill Games (Goalkeeper Challenges) to refine timing.

  • Watch top pro players – see how they manually move keepers in FUT Champs.

✅ Final Thoughts

A goalkeeper in FIFA 22 is more than just a background character—they can win you games. By mastering positioning, timing, and manual controls, you can save nearly every shot. Combine these techniques with the right keepers in FUT or Career Mode, and your defense will be rock solid.