RICHARD LEE: Schmeichel was one of the best ever... but he's also one of the biggest factors in the decline of English goalkeeping

Published: 02:30 EST, 30 December 2013 | Updated: 02:30 EST, 30 December 2013

 

Brentford goalkeeper Richard Lee returns for his latest Footballers' Football Column and looks at subject of goalkeepers and how they are judged by managers, pundits and fans. He looks at the common misconceptions about goalkeepers and says Peter Schmeichel has played a part in the decline of English goalkeeping. Before you read his column, check out his video.

 

Let's face it, we're in trouble. Over the last few months there has only been one goalkeeper in the Premier League who is English and consistently been No 1 at his club. That man is John Ruddy of Norwich City.

Even our national goalkeeper, Joe Hart, could not get a Premier League game for a number of months in a country which once prided itself on its goalkeeping talent. To say we've fallen behind is an understatement.

But who is to blame?

The great Dane: Peter Schmeichel played a key role in changing the perception goalkeeping in England

The great Dane: Peter Schmeichel played a key role in changing the perception goalkeeping in England

   

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Peter Schmeichel is one of the best goalkeepers to have ever graced football; a model of consistency, a mountain of a man and comfortably the most successful goalkeeper of the modern era.

Known for his dominant physique and style, he would bark instructions to those around him, especially to teammates playing below their best. Manchester United fans always feel confident with Schmeichel in goal.

But despite his undoubted excellence, Schmeichel has been one of the biggest contributing factors in the decline of English goalkeeping.

Schmeichel offered something that hadn’t been seen before in the Premier League. He was a giant of a man, yet juxtaposed this imposing stature with the sharpest of agility in his movements.

He could throw the ball three quarters the length of the field and kick it even further. He has helped shape the idea of what a goalkeeper ‘should’ be, largely thanks to the fact that he was considered to be the ‘complete’ goalkeeper, one that every manager would love to have between the sticks – i.e. one that cuts an impressive and imposing figure.

This iconic Danish goalkeeper and his reputation is not solely to blame for our present plight. We could argue that such a successful figure should be an inspiration to budding goalkeepers. Other factors play a significant part.

Most managers of football clubs were outfield players. In fact, if we observe the voice of football, that is, pundits and commentators, it’s fair to say that the vast majority were once outfield players. This means that despite forming a very important 1/11 of a squad, ex goalkeepers very rarely get a look-in in the UK when it comes to match opinion and analysis.

With this being the case, goalkeeping knowledge is poor on the whole. Outfield players are fortunate enough to be analysed with clever observation, (sometimes) articulate insights and relevant points of note thanks to the relevant experience had by the person making the analysis.

Making himself big: Schmeichel denies Alan Shearer by making his body difficult to beat

Making himself big: Schmeichel denies Alan Shearer by making his body difficult to beat

Goalkeepers however, enjoy far less specific observations. Instead, pundits can often be found dipping into their limited supply of stock sentences and terms when it comes to passing comment on the team’s No 1.

Cliched and ambiguous comments referring to being a 'good shot stopper', or being labelled a goalie who 'flaps at crosses' are in abundance. Not forgetting the ultimate goalkeeping sin of being 'beaten at their near post' – a common phrase that far too often falls out of ill-educated mouths.

I know first hand that there are a select few out there who truly understand the intricacies of goalkeeping but these educated souls aren't in the public domain right now. With this being the case they can only help a select few and these aren't always necessarily the ones who could benefit most from such sought after information.

First choice: John Ruddy has made the No 1 shirt at Norwich his own

First choice: John Ruddy has made the No 1 shirt at Norwich his own

Back with a bang: Joe Hart was dropped as City No 1 for over a month

Back with a bang: Joe Hart was dropped as City No 1 for over a month

Between the sticks: Ben Foster has played just five Premier League games this season

Between the sticks: Ben Foster has played just five Premier League games this season

So, with very little knowledge to go on, this had led to goalkeeping ability being judged primarily on the most obvious cue of all – height.

Nowadays, the stereotypical British goalkeeper must fit a particular mould, one that encompasses substantial height and build. After all, imposing physical stature and the idea that the goalkeeper intimidates and daunts is one that is held in high regard.

So much so that attributes such as agility, technical ability and overall quality might find themselves lower down the list, which could be the reason behind our country’s relatively short supply of ‘Schmeichel-esque’ standard goalkeepers.

In fact, our goalkeepers are even considered to be below average in the eyes of our advancing foreign counterparts with Spain, USA, Italy, Germany and France leading the way in Goalkeeping development.

Small? At 6ft Richard Lee says he would not have made it given the current need for bigger keepers

Small? At 6ft Richard Lee says he would not have made it given the current need for bigger keepers

Making himself big: Lee makes himself big to try and prevent Badley Wright-Phillips scoring

Making himself big: Lee makes himself big to try and prevent Badley Wright-Phillips scoring

So with the likes of a moderately sized Iker Casillas being regarded as one of the world’s current best goalkeeper, is there a lesson to be learnt?

The truth is that size really is such a small part of goalkeeping. I’ve witnessed first-hand goalkeepers who are 6ft 6in but can’t make saves in the top corner due to slow foot movement, a lack of power or poor diving technique.

Another common misconception is concerned with the perceived benefits of a tall keeper. It is widely supposed that the biggest benefit is the ability to receive crosses more effectively, but this technique requires speed of feet, timing and power.

Providing a keeper gets this right then it doesn’t matter if they’re 5ft 10in or 6ft 6in. With the right spring, speed and agility they’ll still catch the ball thanks to the fact that no-one else benefits from the advantage of being able to use their hands!

Not bad for a small lad: Iker Casillas has gone onto be one of the best keepers despite being 'only' 6ft tall

Not bad for a small lad: Iker Casillas has gone onto be one of the best keepers despite being 'only' 6ft tall

The most saddening aspect of this common misconception for me however, is the repercussions of such beliefs. In this country the majority of academies don’t sign young goalkeepers if they believe they will fall short of being 6ft 2in when fully grown, essentially dismissing potential talent on height alone.

I’m a goalkeeper of 6ft and despondently aware that I wouldn’t have had a career if I were coming through today’s system.

Much about goalkeeping needs to change – the way it is analysed, perceived and judged. So too does the way in which a goalkeeper trains, with more focus being placed on maximum power exertion, increasing speed, and improving agility.

After all, height really does play such a small part in being an effective goalkeeper. I genuinely believe that we should have objective markers and performance indicators on which goalkeepers can be judged, similar to some extent as to how American sports operate with each player ascribed stats to gauge their progress.

Safe hands: Hart and Ruddy are both regulars in the England squad, but is the country falling behind others?

Safe hands: Hart and Ruddy are both regulars in the England squad, but is the country falling behind others?

In my opinion, such stats could be compiled through a series of tests which include challenges of a technical, physical and even mental nature. Such observations should then help highlight strengths and weaknesses that are likely to affect gameplay, and are arguably far more indicative than just getting the tape measure out.

Only with a change of attitude and a structured program such as this being backed and implemented by people who appreciate the importance of such nuances, will a step change really occur.

If not, the country is likely to fall further behind those that are producing these well-rounded goalkeepers boasting phenomenal distribution, agility to rival a gymnast, and who are sufficiently reliable, technically and mentally, to withstand any setback.

So as it stands, change is crucial. Without a new holistic and compressive approach being implemented soon, it’s likely another generation of goalkeepers will fall short - regardless of their size.

And, while there are some initiatives currently out there trying to buck this height and stature-focused trend, it’ll be some time before the DNA of what a goalkeeper should be changes in the UK. For now the ghost of Peter Schmeichel lives on.

 

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So Schmeichel contributed to the decline in English goalkeepers because he was so good? That's the biggest load or rubbish I've ever read. By your argument, the top athletes in just about any discipline are bringing about the downfall of their sport, because others won't measure up to them. I sincerely hope you weren't paid for cobbling together this load of tripe.

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Most managers of football clubs were outfield players. I think you'll find that there were ten of them for every goalkeeper.

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Schmeichel was a one-in-a-million type of player. If every club has to find a Schmeichel then they're gonna be looking for a long time.

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Good article, I had never really questioned the benefit of a 6ft 6 keeper in the box before, but the more I think about it the chances are a quick, powerful 6ft guy will be tougher for a striker to box out than a gangly giant.

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As being a huge Glasgow Celtic fan,I see big Fraser Forster week in,week out and for being a man mountain at 6ft 8'' he's got superb ability from one handed saves to getting right down to his far away post! He was left to rot not even on Newcastles bench! And we brought him up here,trained and supported him and he's come on leaps and bounds! Yes he's had "ONE CAP!" against CHILE? That's a total slap to the face to him as a professional and a man! He's been under the European spot light and walked out with his head held high! He's proven his worth "To US!" time and time again against the likes of AC Milan,Barcelona,Juventus and yes to Aberdeen and Hibs! The Spanish press don't often praise any other nations players but every Spanish rag where calling him "The GREAT WALL!" and "UNPASSABLE!" That speaks volumes! And if he does get left home for the time of Brazil? You will regret even taking off without him! Because the two keepers that do have the England shirts on CANT FILL THEM!!

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Richard, you have opened an interesting debate. I have been a 'grass roots' goalkeeper and now gk coach since the age of 10 when I made my first appearance for the school team - 54 years ago. For me, one of the things that Schmeichel introduced was the 'star jump' spreading of the body to try to deflect a close range effort rather than physically diving at a forward's feet. That skill seems to have almost disappeared at the pro level. Whilst in part I can accept the logic that 'clever' players wait for the keeper to go down and then buy a penalty and possibly a sending off, i cringe when i see keepers come party way and then do the star jump thing and hope that the ball might hit them. As a player, it would have been the end of the world to concede a goal through ones legs, but now, as keepers become statues, top strikers can take the chance of aiming for that gap, often getting away with it. Running out of space, but you get my drift!

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Richard, you have opened an interesting debate. I have been a 'grass roots' goalkeeper and now gk coach since the age of 10 when I made my first appearance for the school team - 54 years ago. For me, one of the things that Schmeichel introduced was the 'star jump' spreading of the body to try to deflect a close range effort rather than physically diving at a forward's feet. That skill seems to have almost disappeared at the pro level. Whilst in part I can accept the logic that 'clever' players wait for the keeper to go down and then buy a penalty and possibly a sending off, i cringe when i see keepers come party way and then do the star jump thing and hope that the ball might hit them. As a player, it would have been the end of the world to concede a goal through ones legs, but now, as keepers become statues, top strikers can take the chance of aiming for that gap, often getting away with it. Running out of space, but you get my drift!

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i agree to a pjt regarding shmicheal BUIT one of the biggest factors in the decline of english goal keeping has been shiltons never ending term as No1 , we had young guys give up any hope NOT because he was better (a midget out jumped him ) but because he was auitomatically picked regardless of his form or ability in later years ...they didnt bother and being england No1 would have spurred many young guys to take up goal keeping

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Shilton hasn't played for England in 20 years. For a lot of his time he shared the shirt with Clemence. You can't blame a keeper who retired 20 years ago for the decline in England keepers. The biggest issue is the Premier League, clubs strive to make it there and stay there and so look to the best available, given the number of clubs outside the UK its no surprise that so many come to the UK.

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If you're good, got all the skills, you're good. If you're bigger you're even better. Schmeichel was the best I've ever seen (with apologies to Gordan Banks).

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Gordon Banks made the best ever save against Pele in the World Cup. Schmeichel doesn't even come close, but he is the best ever Danish goalkeeper. Different eras and countries!

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I would argue that Jimmy Montgomery's double save in the 1973 Cup Final exceeded Gordan Banks's, and more irritatingly David Seaman's seemingly impossible save against Sheff. Utd in the FA Cup semi-final. From a very bitter Sheff. Utd. supporter!

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One current goalkeeping trait I deplore. That is, punching instead of catching. Loris, at Spurs, an otherwise excellent keeper, has given away goals by punching weakly. Another factor that doesn't convince me. Defences playing a "high line" thereby leaving the keeper to make suicide dashes beyond the box to deal with a striker who has got in behind the defence. All good keepers desperately need one advantage. That is, a fast, skilful central defender who will work to protect the keeper.

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The reason goalkeepers punch the ball in the modern game is because the balls have changed beyond recognition in that they are much lighter and their flight is more difficult to pick up. The balls played in as a consequence are no longer floated in, but whipped or driven in. This makes catching the ball through a crowd extremely difficult. As my previous post said goalkeepers have decisions to make, and are coached to make the most appropriate decision. Catching a driven ball in a crowd is rarely the best decision that a goalkeeper cam make. With regards to a high defensive line, the goalkeeper makes many more clears than they concede, therefore it is worthwhile. Lloris is an exceptional goalkeeper (as opposed to shot stopper).

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