What has happened to the standard of goalkeeping? | OneFootball

I believe the standard of goalkeepers in the Premier League has deteriorated over the last two decades, indeed, the level of goalkeeping in all four divisions (including EFL clubs) overall.

In the 1970s and early 80s, it was a pleasure to be able to watch great custodians like Pat Jennings, Peter Shilton, Paul Cooper and Phil Parkes plying their trade, whenever their respective teams visited St James’ Park.

Later on, Everton had an excellent keeper in Neville Southall, whilst all conquering Liverpool had the truly eccentric but very able Bruce Grobbelaar.

These men were masters of their profession before the new (no) pass back rule was introduced in the early 1990s.

They of course could still make mistakes.

Who could forget Shilton’s against Poland in the qualifier for the 1974 World Cup.

Grobbelar also took time to settle in at Liverpool when he replaced Phil Clemence in 1981. Clemence himself had made some high profile clangers.

In the late 1960s and early 70s, Don Revie’s Leeds United had Gary Sprake in goal. After some big howlers Sprake was given the nickname of ‘Careless Hands’ but he was still regarded as a good shot stopper.

In general though, most decent goalkeepers during the periods I have already mentioned, were revered by fans on the terraces, regarded as vital assets if a club was to have even a modicum of success.

In the 1990s and 2000s I had the privilege of seeing four fine goalkeepers play for Newcastle United.

Tommy Wright, the late Pavel Srnicek, Shay Given and Steve Harper are all fondly remembered as being more than reliable, also excellent shot stoppers.

Pavel himself had a nervous start after signing from Banik Ostrava, but of that Toon quartet above, he was the most comfortable with the ball at his feet and he would have thrived in the current era.

I think these modern tactics is the main reason in general why goalkeeping standards are declining over here. Teams have became obsessed with taking short 10ft goal kicks and playing out from the back. Now goalkeepers are being dragged away from their natural positions, to partake in this often dangerous passing scenario.

You can see how uncomfortable and reluctant some of today’s keepers are with the seemingly new mandatory requirements. Even though I like him, our own Nick Pope certainly comes into this category.

I believe the new style has affected the modern goalkeeper’s ability to concentrate on what they have always done best, which is saving, blocking and stopping shots. Even dealing with gentle pass backs, or gathering tame balls played into the 18 yard box.

Did you see Leeds keeper Meslier’s howler in the last seconds of the game against Sunderland on Friday night? He definitely wasn’t concentrating and I have to say that this was one of the worst goalkeeping bloopers I have seen in over 50 years.

Every time one of our defenders passes the ball back to the keeper and the opposition begin chasing the ball down, my heart is in my mouth.

If things keep on going as they are, not a lot of modern goalkeepers will ever be regarded as heroes and sometimes even legends, like the custodians that preceded them many years ago.

My mate and neighbour, former Toon stopper Tony Bell, made his one and only appearance against Spurs at White Hart Lane back in 1974 as a 19 year old. He too made a mistake on his debut that was unfortunately captured on the TV cameras and is still talked about today. Tony was still one hell of a keeper though.

My mate auld Ellas was also a good local league keeper in the 70s.