a top keeper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a top keeper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is highly skilled or proficient in a particular role, often in sports or management contexts. Example: "After reviewing his performance over the season, it's clear that he is a top keeper and deserves recognition for his contributions to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"If we can include Bresnan, Swann and Broad in the lower-middle order, then couldn't we find room for a top keeper in the tail?

The Guardian - Sport

Kahn certainly did not feel like a top keeper on this occasion, later declaring that "we might as well have had my gym bag in goal" as it "would have kept out a couple of the shots I let in", while on the BBC Mark Lawrenson dubbed him Oliver Can't at half-time.

The Guardian - Sport

"I remember thinking to myself: 'Just get a good touch on it, try and set it for a strike on goal.' My touch was perfect for once and I got fantastic contact – the pitch was wet and I put enough power on it to slide past a top keeper in Oliver Kahn".

The Guardian - Sport

"Mignolet is a top keeper.

BBC

Danny's a top keeper but he's got to do better with that and he knows it".

BBC

The lad will be a top keeper, he is only young.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"In terms of my eyes, [Vorm] is very much a top, top keeper," added Rodgers, who revealed he had kept a close eye on Krul's development since signing for Newcastle from Den Haag in 2006.

BBC

"But now De Gea has come through that sticky spell and he is a top, top keeper".

Independent

He's genuinely going to be a top, top keeper and to perform like that having been out for so long was absolutely staggering," Rodgers added.

BBC

"He has all the qualities to be a top, top keeper - he's 6'5", makes good saves, is good on his feet and is very calm and assured despite being very young.

BBC

How does he get his best form back? A. In Joe's case, I've always said what a top, top keeper he is but I've always felt the problem was that, at international and club level, he didn't have a top number two to keep him on his toes.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a goalkeeper, use "a top keeper" to emphasize their skill and value to the team. This phrase is suitable for both formal reports and informal discussions about sports.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on subjective terms like "top" without providing specific examples of the keeper's performance. Support your assessment with data and observations to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a top keeper" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies the noun "keeper" to indicate that they possess superior skill and ability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a top keeper" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe a highly skilled goalkeeper. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its usage spans across various contexts, especially in news and sports media. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's crucial to support the assessment with specific performance examples. Alternatives such as "an excellent goalkeeper" or "a world-class keeper" can be used to vary your language. This phrase effectively conveys the goalkeeper's skill and importance to a team.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent goalkeeper

Replaces "top" with "excellent" to emphasize general quality.

a first-rate keeper

Uses "first-rate" to indicate superior quality or class.

a high-caliber goalkeeper

Emphasizes the skill and quality of the goalkeeper.

a world-class keeper

Suggests the keeper is among the best in the world.

an elite goalkeeper

Implies the keeper is part of a select, highly skilled group.

a premier keeper

Indicates the keeper is of the highest rank or importance.

a star goalkeeper

Highlights the keeper's fame and exceptional performance.

a leading keeper

Suggests the keeper is at the forefront of their profession.

a skillful goalkeeper

Focuses on the keeper's technical abilities and proficiency.

an outstanding keeper

Emphasizes the keeper's remarkable and impressive performance.

FAQs

How can I use "a top keeper" in a sentence?

You can use "a top keeper" to describe a goalkeeper who is highly skilled and valuable to their team. For example: "The team's success is largely due to having "a top keeper" in goal."

What are some alternatives to saying "a top keeper"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "an excellent goalkeeper", "a first-rate keeper", or "a world-class keeper depending on the context".

Is it more appropriate to say "a top keeper" or "top goalkeeper"?

Both "a top keeper" and "top goalkeeper" are acceptable. "A top keeper" is slightly more concise and common, while "top goalkeeper" is more formal and explicit.

What qualities define "a top keeper"?

Qualities that define "a top keeper" include exceptional shot-stopping ability, excellent reflexes, strong command of their area, and consistent performance under pressure.