The First Name on the Team Sheet
“For a goalkeeper, there is no hiding place.” Brad Friedel, former premier league and USA goalkeeper.
“Goalkeeping is just different. Everyone says we’re crazy or something. But it’s more a case of us working under different pressure, thinking about the game differently.” Asmir Begovic, Former Premier League and Bosnian International goalkeeper.
Few are better placed to describe the uniqueness of the goalkeeper position than these two premier league legends, who between them have amassed over 700 premier league appearances.
When observing any sport, there is always a evolution in the way players play. Quarterbacks are faster than ever, props in rugby are more agile and athletic than before and full backs in football are being asked to contribute heavily to the attacking and defensive side of football, requiring peak levels of fitness. However, no position has undergone more transformation in recent times than a goalkeeper.
Rud Gullit once said “Goalkeepers are goalkeepers because they can’t play football.” Whilst I have the upmost respect for Gullit, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I am sure Ederson, Manuel Neuer and our very own Artiguane can testify to that.. all have the ability to play outfield!
If you go back to the early 90’s, goalkeepers were allowed to pick the ball up from a back pass. All they were required to do was save shots and kick the ball up field. Nowadays, attacks often stem from the goalkeepers distribution. Shot-stopping and flexes remain vitally important, but goalkeepers are adding more strings to their bow with improved footwork, ball distribution, athleticism and positional awareness.
How often do we see teams attempt to build possession from the back? This all begins with the goalkeeper having the confidence and technical ability to find passes under immense pressure. In the 2018/19 season, Man City goalkeeper Ederson made 181 passes in the season, 137 of which were short passes, only 44 were long passes.
The large difference goalkeepers face compared with outfield players is the consequence of making a mistake, which often leads to a goal. Goalkeepers are faced with different pressures and a great burden of expectation. When I pick my team for any match, I am not looking at the to goal scorer, or the dynamic midfielder, I am looking for a reliable, confident and willing goalkeeper. When selecting the team for the U12’s, Artiguane is always the first name I say. Why? Because he is a fantastic goalkeeper and we don’t have any other goalkeepers. There are many strikers and midfielders however!
Goalkeepers are like gold dust in grassroots football and I am going to make it my mission for this year is to discover more goalkeepers!!!
Written by Chris Smith