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The goalkeeper stands alone

MANUEL NEUER MADE GOALKEEPING FASHIONABLE AGAIN. Coming third in the Ballon d'Or reaffirmed that point. The face of the 'new' breed of goalkeeper, the German phenomenon is currently at the pinnacle...

by Sam McGuire, 21 Jul 2015

MANUEL NEUER MADE GOALKEEPING FASHIONABLE AGAIN. Coming third in the Ballon d’Or reaffirmed that point. The face of the ‘new’ breed of goalkeeper, the German phenomenon is currently at the pinnacle in his position and at the relatively young age, for a goalkeeper, of 29. Under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, it doesn’t look like he’s anywhere near his peak.

With that said it’s unfair to compare all goalkeepers to Manuel Neuer. It’s fine for the goalkeepers themselves to aspire to his level in terms of reliability, brilliance and standing within in the game but something that’s often overlooked is the fact there are various goalkeeping styles. It’s not simply ‘they’re a goalkeeper, they should be like Manuel Neuer’. Believe it or not, not all clubs need a goalkeeper like Neuer, and that’s the crux of it all and that so many people seem to overlook.

Football and the game’s fans have developed dramatically in the last decade or so, with fans becoming more knowledgeable on players and their positions. There’s an understanding when it comes to viewing a player and their position. It’s this type of understanding that is still lacking when it comes to goalkeepers, however. It’s not like for like. They aren’t all the same.

Manuel Neuer gives this quixotic idea of how goalkeepers should be. Goalkeepers of similar style are becoming more predominant within the game but this super breed doesn’t mean all goalkeepers will reach that level, nor should they. It’s unrealistic to expect every left back to be on par with David Alaba and every right sided forward to be like Lionel Messi. These are exceptional talents with no equals.

There are three broad categories for goalkeepers:

Defensive Goalkeeper – The type of ‘keeper that stays in his six-yard area and is at his most confident there. A good shot stopper with great reflexes but not the best on the ball. You get the feelings it’s “you’re good at what you do so do it”. (Simon Mignolet)

Sweeper Keeper – High starting point for a goalkeeper, probably on the edge of his area and it means the team can play a high line safe in the knowledge the ‘keeper is able and confident enough to come and meet the ball outside of the area. These keepers are usually used in possession-orientated teams. (Hugo Lloris)

Possession Keeper – This is probably the upgrade to sweeper keeper. Teams don’t want their goalkeepers to just come out and clear the ball anymore. They want a little more composure and a ‘keeper that can pick a pass and start attacks. It’s almost like a Libero Goalkeeper, they bring the ball out from the back. (Manuel Neuer)

Football is always evolving, so it’s only natural players adapt with the times, but as a goalkeeper how much can you adapt? You’re primary role is shot stopping. You do whatever and use anything in your power to stop that ball crossing the line. In the past if you saved the most shots you were considered a good goalkeeper. Now if you make the most saves it’s because your defence is letting you down and you’re having to face more shots.

These days you’ve got to be able to pick a pass from 60 yards, be able to perform a rabona and save a penalty blind folded to get any recognition from some. Advances in the sport means everything evolves but like in Jurassic World if you tamper with something too much you end up causing havoc.

It’s not that basic, though. You also have to analyse the systems the teams play.

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