For Patreons only, I have broken down the top ten keepers for leaving their line in 2024/25 across League One.
Wyscout’s glossary defines “leaving line per 90 minutes” as the number of times a goalkeeper vacates their goal line to intercept a high ball or cross, normalised over a 90-minute match. Whether attempting a punch, claiming a loose ball or contesting with an attacker, this stat reflects how actively a goalkeeper commands their area.
It’s a profile that City fans will recognise well. In 2023/24, Lukas Jensen ranked third in League One with 2.23 exits per 90, consistent with a run of aggressive, commanding keepers at the club. Carl Rushworth averaged 1.85 (7th in 2022/23), Jordan Wright 1.96 (8th in 2021/22), Josh Griffiths 1.72 (15th in 2020/21) and Alex Palmer 2.00 (8th in 2019/20). The Imps have come to favour keepers who dominate their six-yard box and aren’t afraid to come for the ball.
The 2024/25 data tells us who followed that same profile this season. Below are the ten most active keepers off their line, ranked by their per-90 average, minimum 1,000 minutes played.
Jed Ward’s breakthrough season at Bristol Rovers saw him emerge as one of League One’s most progressive young keepers. Averaging 1.81 line exits per 90 across 1,790 minutes, Ward wasn’t shy about stepping forward to challenge strikers. The 21-year-old showed strong decision-making when coming for crosses and wasn’t afraid to leave his line under pressure. While still developing his aerial timing, his confidence and athleticism suggest he has all the tools to grow into a top-level sweeper-keeper.
9. Arthur Okonkwo – 1.82 per 90 (Wrexham)
Arthur Okonkwo continued to build his reputation at Wrexham, averaging 1.82 exits per 90 over 3,256 minutes. The Arsenal loanee, now 23, combined physical dominance with improved anticipation. His 6’6” frame gave him an edge in claiming high balls, and he regularly swept behind a high line when Wrexham pushed forward. Okonkwo’s command of his area has matured significantly over the last two seasons, suggesting he’s not far from Championship-level readiness.
8. George Wickens – 1.84 per 90 (Lincoln City)
George Wickens’ first full season as Lincoln City’s number one followed in the footsteps of his predecessors. Across 36 games and 3,527 minutes, the 23-year-old averaged 1.84 exits per 90, showcasing a consistent willingness to come off his line. Standing at 6’6″, Wickens used his reach well and showed bravery in crowded boxes. Though still developing certain aspects of his game, his profile fits exactly what City’s recent model demands: a proactive, physical goalkeeper who commands his area.
7. Gabriel Slonina – 1.90 per 90 (Barnsley)
Gabriel Slonina was one of the league’s youngest starters, but also one of the most adventurous. Averaging 1.90 exits per 90 in just 11 appearances, the 20-year-old Chelsea loanee showed flashes of elite-level athleticism. At 6’4”, Slonina covered ground quickly and often came off his line to claim aerial balls or disrupt through-balls. Despite his limited minutes (1,088), his numbers suggest he could be a future star at the top level.
6. Joel Pereira – 1.92 per 90 (Reading)
Joel Pereira enjoyed a steady season at Reading, appearing in 40 matches and playing nearly 4,000 minutes. His 1.92 exits per 90 underline a confident presence between the posts. Pereira isn’t just tall and agile—he’s calm under pressure and adept at making split-second decisions. While not flashy, his consistent high-ball interventions were key in helping Reading manage games where they were under sustained pressure.
5. Will Mannion – 1.96 per 90 (Charlton Athletic)
Will Mannion quietly put together a very effective season at Charlton. Playing 31 matches, he averaged 1.96 exits per 90 and was regularly involved in aerial duels. Mannion reads flighted balls well and times his punches with conviction. He may not be among the biggest names in the league, but his assertiveness and no-nonsense approach proved vital in a team that often asked their keeper to deal with high delivery into the box.
4. Cameron Dawson – 1.99 per 90 (Rotherham United)
Cameron Dawson’s contribution for Rotherham this season was impactful despite being limited to just 14 matches. In that time, he averaged 1.99 exits per 90 and looked every bit the confident sweeper-keeper. Dawson frequently came off his line to relieve pressure on his defence, often winning balls on the edge of his area. His decision-making was a major asset, and though his minutes were fewer, his activity level places him among the league’s best in this metric.
3. Jamal Blackman – 2.34 per 90 (Shrewsbury Town)
Jamal Blackman reasserted himself at Shrewsbury this season, showing authority in the box and a clear appetite for commanding his area. His 2.34 exits per 90 is among the highest in the league and reflects a keeper always looking to dominate. With a huge 6’6” frame, Blackman regularly came through traffic to claim or punch crosses, and his ability to read when to come—and when not to—made him one of League One’s most effective line leavers.
2. Jed Steer – 2.37 per 90 (Peterborough United)
Veteran keeper Jed Steer made a big impression at Peterborough, racking up 2.37 exits per 90 across 25 games. At 32, Steer brought experience, calmness, and excellent reading of the game. He was decisive when stepping off his line, regularly claiming balls in crowded areas and preventing second-phase chances. His consistent involvement in aerial actions gave confidence to his defenders and underlined his pedigree.
1. Jack Stevens – 2.56 per 90 (Cambridge United)
Jack Stevens topped the division with a remarkable 2.56 exits per 90 minutes. In just 12 games for Cambridge United, he was consistently aggressive in claiming crosses and breaking up attacks early. Though his appearances were limited, Stevens’ willingness to come for everything set him apart. His bravery and athleticism make him a standout in this stat, and it’s easy to see why he led the league in 2024/25.
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