4 of 28

Write now Article Tools

Argh! Gah! Splut! Please! No more American sporting colloquialisms!

A good 'goalkeeper' must have 7 important attributes, amongst others:
1) Agility. Not always the first thing one looks for, but a certain maneuverability is essential - think about David Seaman's two most embarrassing moments - when dealing with a ball that is zipping about as the modern day ball does. There are notable exceptions in the goalkeeping hall of fame (see Neville Southall) but all the best, Banksy, Zenga, Van der Sar, have all been contortionists!

2) Concentration. Look at David James during his Liverpool years, and it's easy to see what happens when your mind is on other things. They used to call him Dracula, because he was afraid of crosses! In reality, he just seemed to be elsewhere most of the time. Not all of the time though... Petr Cech is another great example. He can have almost nothing to do all game, what with John Terry in front of him, and yet still be awake enough to pluck a high ball or deflect a fizzing shot out of the blue.

3) No fear. Another good showing for Petr Cech here. He had his skull fractured when going in for a contested ball with Reading's Stephen Hunt. Now any normal person would pull out, I reckon. You need a certain kamikaze attitude, but an attitude that is tempered with -

4) Responsibility. You must be reliable. If the defense is a little unsure of you or where you might suddenly appear on the pitch, then they are going to play a very conservative game, to the detriment of the coach's game plan.

5) Ability to catch the ball. Seems simple enough, but try throwing a ball at a girl, and it doesn't seem so easy! (Only joking ladies!)

6) Leadership. The 'keeper is the only player on the pitch who can see everything happening in front of him. Therefore he needs to convey that information to the rest of the team, and have sufficient tactical nous to be able to direct play. This ties in neatly with 4) as if your team doesn't trust you, they won't listen. A great 'keeper commands his box, like Peter Schmeichel for Man Utd.

7) Size. They say a small man can't be a great 'keeper. Shay Given at Newcastle is often derided as being too small, but he stands 6'0" and is as good a 'keeper as there has been recently in the Premiership. All the current 'keepers for England stand at over six foot, and there are few out in the worldwide leagues that can have any claim to greatness without the stature to go with the skill.

I hope that clears it up for you chaps. And please, this isn't ice hockey. It's a goalkeeper.

Learn more about this author, MadBob.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about What makes a good soccer goalie?
We want to hear your view. Write now!