A Modern-day Goalkeeper

Football is always evolving as a sport as the complexities of the game multiply throughout the years. It's clear to see the changes in football from when it was first established to now. It used to be a simple game of direct football and running to ensure the ball ends up in the opposition net more than your own. Whereas now football has many intricacies and tactics. Defence, midfield and the offence are all intertwined in importance and all areas must function as a unit to ensure success on the pitch. Football has developed into a much more technical sport with fine margins deciding any outcome whether it be player fitness, performance or match results.

Different positions on the pitch also develop in their own way to adapt to the ever-changing nature of the game. One position that has always gone under the radar is a goalkeeper. Only recently did many notice how the goalkeepers have changed their game to adapt to modern-day football.

It can be argued who started this goalkeeper 'trend' however it is evident that the emphasis Pep Guardiola, of Manchester City, and Jurgen Klopp, of Liverpool, have put on their goalkeeper's ability to play out from the back has stirred a change within English football and potentially on a global scale.

These two successful managers have goalkeepers that are comfortable on the ball and have accurate distribution from goal kicks or when in possession. They find it essential to build up from the back putting emphasis on the statement made in the aforementioned paragraph about how all areas of the position must function together in order for success. A goalkeeper with these attributes in their disposal are now the most in demand in the transfer market. 

Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich's goalkeeper, has also been a key figure in this trend and could also be potentially seen as someone who kickstarted this new wave for keepers across the globe. He is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world at shot-stopping as well as with the ball at his feet. These qualities have helped his team be more calm assured when defending as well as building attacking scenarios to score goals. As well as helping him gain world-wide recognition. Allisson Becker of Liverpool is also very good in these qualities. 

A 'traditional' goalkeeper before this evolution was always based only on his shot-stopping abilities and clean sheets (this is still used in the modern game to judge keepers). The ability to pick passes or control a football wasn't something many associated with goalkeepers hence why in previous era's these qualities were overlooked and ignored.

David De Gea of Manchester United is regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers around. During the 2014-2018 period it could have been argued he had overtaken Neuer in being the best goalkeepr. However as the game developed, De Gea was found lacking in his abilities to have the ball at his feet and pick out passes. He went through a small blip after 2019-2021 where his credibility significantly decreased. This saw the rise of ball-playing goalkeepers in Allisson and Ederson and others in the league.

He regained form in 21/22 season and saved Manchester United many points as he had to play behind a very incompotent defensive line. But despite his amazing shot-stopping his on the ball abilities were still below average and his performances were belittled due to those abilities lacking. He was arguably one of the few United players who could have held his head high after that dismal season but the games demands and his abilities were not aligned and many 'experts' and fans don't see him as a top goalkeeper.

Thus, it is clear to see the demands many teams require in their goalkeepers - not just shot-stopping. Therefore as a player you must always be ready to adapt to changes in your game or position in order to keep up with demanding and changing nature of football.