Many years ago the goalkeeper was not as important as managers and coaches paid little attention to them, but now in recent years the goalkeeper is the most important player in the modern game of soccer. Whether you are playing for the UEFA Champions League trophy or your local league playoffs, at Zigante Soccer Training (ZST) we believe there are some important values a goalie must possess.
- Foot Skills | A goal keeper must have the ability to play with their feet at a high level. As we can see Manchester City FC in the EPL, the goalkeepers play with their feet on a constant basis. His ability to make the right directions under pressure will determine if their team can retain possession.
- Tactical Presence | A goal keeper must have a deep understanding of general soccer tactics. By having the ability to anticipate where the ball is going, they can help their team in numerous ways. Playing the ball early can lead to a counter attack or holding on to the ball can give your team extra time for rest. See the video below:
- Coaching skills | The goalkeeper needs to be a leader on the team. Their ability to coach can help lead can make their team more organized and make better decisions on the field. By being vocal, the goalkeeper can act as a coach on the field, and focus on having a strong defense.
We put together a list of the top 3 goalies in the world that have some of these values.
- Alisson Becker | Liverpool FC (EPL) Brazil | Alisson has become one of best goalies in the world not only for his great ability for shot stopping, but for his ability to play from the back. Similar to Manual Neuer from Germany, Alisson takes the ‘sweeper keeper’ to another level. He has an uncanny ability to make the right decisions of when to come off his line and make a play.
- Marc-Andre Ter Stegan | Barcelona (La Liga) Germany | We all know about his shot stopping capabilities, but he is also great under pressure and is an advantage on any penalty kick situations. His leadership skills are on point, and commands the defense with his strong personality. Ter Stegan has excellent one-on-one shut down skills, and anticipates almost everything. Similar to Becker, Stegan plays an excellent ‘sweeper keeper.’
- Ederson Santana de Moraes | Manchester City (EPL) | Ederson is known as a physical goalkeeper and would scare any NCAA Men’s soccer team. What is unique about Ederson is that he plays well with both feet which allows him to make better decisions under pressure. His best strength is his ability to distribute from goal.
Others:
Jan Oblak – Atletico Madrid | (La Liga) Slovenia
Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich | (Bundesliga) Germany
Dominik Livaković – Dinamo Zagreb | Prva HNL Croatia
More about Zigante Soccer Training
Zigante Soccer Training’s (ZST) mission is to be North America’s premier soccer goalkeeping training center. With over 100 students who have gone on and played college or professional soccer, ZST has developed the most reputable experience for goalkeepers in North America. ZST is based in Las Vegas (NV) with locations in Holly Springs, (NC) and Ithaca, (NY). ZST is recognized by the top NCAA college coaches in the US and professional teams in Europe. www.zigantesoccertraining.com | Ziggy (Nenad) Zigantes – Director of Coaching
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Zigante Soccer Training 