Tag: Defensive Actions Outside the Penalty Area

Explaining the Sweeper Keeper – Player Role Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Data Analysis, Goalkeeper, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League

The 'Sweeper Keeper' came to deserved acclaim at the 2014 World Cup, when Manuel Neuer showcased his ability to rush out of his goal, and "sweep" in behind Germany's high-line, almost playing like another centre-back out of possession. Since then, the role of the sweeper keeper has only grown and evolved, becoming a player who is capable in build-up phases, ventures out of their goal to involve themselves in passing sequences higher up the pitch, and completely commands their penalty area by coming off their line and taking control of any situation.

Advertisement

Explaining the Shot Stopper – Player Role Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Data Analysis, Goalkeeper, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League

While formations may exclude the never-changing goalkeepers from their numbering, we could never fail to recognize the importance of goalkeeping in the game. As a result, we start with one of the most scrutinized positions on a football pitch - that of the keeper. We break goalkeepers down into two broad categories - 'Shot Stopper', and 'Sweeper Keeper'. We can then use these classifications to help distinguish between different types of players, and measure accordingly. Today's article is all about the 'Shot Stopper', defining role expectations and answering the soon to be common question of - 'What exactly is a shot stopper?'

David De Gea – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Data Analysis, Goalkeeper, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League

Manchester United have been abysmal in 2021-22. You know it. I know it. Everybody knows it. But despite their team woes, a few key individuals have continued to go about their business and perform to reasonably remarkable heights. No one more than David De Gea - who has had one of his greatest seasons in a Manchester United shirt, just one year after losing his place to Dean Henderson. David De Gea has been exceptional in 2021-22, regaining his illustrious reputation as one of the best keepers in the world, and pulling off saves like it's 2015 again. So with that, we bring you our David De Gea Player Analysis, and finally discuss both the strengths and limitations of one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history.