Our league record since the end of February

[Nod.E]

On 02/11/2021 at 11:58, Sly said:

Yes, Kasper is a brilliant shot stopper but his weakness for some reason has always been an inability to command his area. It’s something that has also troubled the likes of De Gea, Ederson etc as well.

 

Historically (stereotypically) I suppose we also believed it was a British trait and “foreign” goalkeepers coming into the Premier League struggled with this aspect of the game. In a previous era when it was more ball onto the wing and then cross for the striker, it highlighted how well drilled British keepers were at commanding the area. As times have changed with more intricate build up, I think this has to a degree become a lost art. 

Fofana is absolutely massive for us, or will be when he's back fit and bulked out a bit. I hope he's used this time on the sidelines bench pressing! I remember Brendan saying one of the main reasons for signing him was how good he is in the air in both boxes. We've seen glimpses of that, but I think there is more to come when he gets to grips with the physicality of the league.

 

Kasper isn't terrible in the air, but I agree it's his weakest area. Keepers like that need a dominant centre half to calm their nerves and win the challenging balls, as Huth did in his time here. It takes all the pressure of the team as a defensive unit, and that solidity transmits through the team.

 

I was a keeper and my weakness was coming for crosses. I didn't half look a better keeper playing with my 6ft 7 centre back mate.