Examining different player roles for goalkeepers through data - SciSports (2024)

13May 2019

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Examining different player roles for goalkeepers through data - SciSports (1)

Examining different player roles for goalkeepers through data - SciSports (2)

In this post we will discuss the Player Roles that we designated for the position that is moving the fewest on the pitch of all eleven positions: Goalkeepers. They are the protectors of the box, are the king of their 5-yard and most important, are there to keep their goal ‘clean’. But some keepers want to take their role to another level and are regularly found outside of the penalty box. Thanks to our Player Roles model, we provide you with insights to differentiate in which kind of goalkeeper to add to your defensive wall.

In the coming period, a position specific group of the new released Player Roles will be highlighted each week. As mentioned, this edition: Goalkeepers.

There are three different roles that we distinguish under the Goalkeepers in modern football, namely:

  • Line Keeper
  • Sweeper Keeper
  • Ball-Playing Keeper

Role explanation

Per category we will explain what the characteristics of a role are.

  1. Line Keeper
    This keeper has only one goal, keeping a clean sheet. He excels at shot stopping, eliminating threats from crosses and quickly recovers after blocking a shot. He rules the 6 yard box. His weaknesses can be ball skills, covering the defensive line and reading the game. When in possession, he plays a simple passing game, reducing his on-ball time to a minimum.

    Players with this role: Jan Oblak (Atlético Madrid), David de Gea (Manchester United), Neto (Valencia CF), Jeroen Zoet (PSV Eindhoven)

  2. Sweeper Keeper
    This type of keeper functions as a sweeper behind the defensive line and therefore positions himself higher up the pitch. In the defensive phase he sweeps up through balls and excels in one on one situations.

    Players with this role: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City), Loris Karius (Besiktas JK) , Emil Audero (UC Sampdoria), Marko Dmitrovic (SD Eibar)

  3. Ball-Playing Keeper
    This type of keeper has good on the ball skills and can provide his teammates with high accuracy passes, even reaching the wingers when pressure is intense. In the build-up he can be used to outnumber the opposing offensive line when his defence is put under pressure.

    Players with this role: Ederson (Manchester City), Marc-André ter Stegen (FC Barcelona), Kepa (Chelsea FC), André Onana (Ajax Amsterdam)

Similarity

In this similarity search we will take a look at a keeper whose Player Role is written on his body. Manuel Neuer is a Ball-Playing Keeper to the fullest, but also proved his qualities as a Sweeper Keeper. When we use the search function “Similar”, SciSports’ platform will provide a list with players who are most similar to the characteristics Neuer showed on the field. When we filter the list to the our wishes and for instance SciSkill (in this case a minimum SciSkill of 80), these names are among the top 3:

Examining different player roles for goalkeepers through data - SciSports (3)

Explore now

Looking for a Line Keeper to secure a bunch of clean sheets? Or do you favour a Ball-Playing Keeper so that you can expand your dominance? With just a few mouse-clicks in SciSports’ platform you’ll get your list of interesting players!

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Tags

  • Manuel Neuer
  • Player Roles
  • SciSports Platform
Examining different player roles for goalkeepers through data - SciSports (2024)

FAQs

What are the roles and responsibilities of a goalkeeper in football? ›

The goalkeeper is the person in charge of intercepting or stopping the ball before it crosses the final line that is in the goal and thus prevent the opponent from scoring a goal. As they say in football parlance, it is the lifeline of the teams.

How do you calculate goalkeeper stats? ›

A goalkeeperʼs goals-against average is calculated by multiplying the number of goals allowed by 80, divided by the actual number of minutes played by the keeper. A team's goals-against average is figured by multiplying the number of goals allowed by the team by 80, divided by the actual number of minutes played.

What are the responsibilities of the goalie and what makes their position different from any other? ›

Goalies need to be able to move around their penalty area with speed, agility, and flexibility. This is important not just for making quick reflex saves but also for coming off the goal line to intercept and collect loose balls, close down opposition strikers, and clear the ball from danger.

What 3 things does a goalkeeper do? ›

Goalkeepers usually perform goal kicks, and also give commands to their defence during corner kicks, direct and indirect free kicks, and marking. Goalkeepers play an important role in directing on field strategy as they have an unrestricted view of the entire pitch, giving them a unique perspective on play development.

Why is power important for a goalkeeper in football? ›

In football, a player taking a free kick with a lack of power in the kicking leg will not make the ball move as fast through the air. This means the goalkeeper will have slightly more time to react and move to the flight of the ball, and have a better chance of making a save.

How do goalie stats work? ›

Goaltender statistics

MIN – Total number of minutes the goaltender has been on the ice the current season. GA – Goals against – Number of goals scored against the goaltender the current season. W – Wins – Games the goaltender has won the current season.

What do goalkeeper stats mean? ›

Games Started (GS): The number of games the goaltender has started the current season. Shots Against (SA): Shots against the goalie. Goals Against (GA): Goals allowed by the goalie. Goals Against Average (GAA): Goals allowed per game. Save Percentage (SV%): Percentage of Shots Against that were Saves.

How do you measure goalkeeper? ›

Best way to determine goalie glove sizing is to measure the length of the goalkeeper's hand from tip of the middle finger to the end of the palm. General rule is to round up and add a size. Hand measurement of 7 inches would be a size 8. My hand measures 7.5 inches.

What skill moves do goalkeepers need? ›

So, we need to train our goalkeepers to be able to move powerfully and quickly in a linear (i.e., forward) fashion as well as laterally. A goalkeeper's training regime should be heavily focused on short-distance acceleration-based speed training (i.e., 5m accelerations) and short-distance lateral change of direction.

Why is being a goalkeeper hard? ›

Keeper is a completely different position than any other. Physically, it's less strenuous come matchday (though I went through the same conditioning drills as everyone else) but psychologically it takes a lot more. The stress is intense. You are the last line of defense.

Is goalie the hardest position in sports? ›

Without a doubt, a hockey goalie is one of the hardest position in sports because the shots are coming at full speed, sometimes 100 MPH, at an extremely close range. Reaction time is even faster than baseball. In hockey, if you let the puck get past you even more than 10 percent of the time, you will be replaced.

Can any player change positions with the goalkeeper? ›

“CHANGING PLACES WITH THE GOALKEEPER”

Any player (that is on the field) may change places with the goalkeeper if the Referee is informed, and the change is made during a stoppage in play (and goalkeeper's unique jersey is worn).

When may any player change positions with the goalkeeper provided that? ›

Changing the goalkeeper

Any of the players may change places with the goalkeeper if: the referee is informed before the change is made. the change is made during a stoppage in play.

What is the role of the goalkeeper coach in football? ›

Attend fixtures, working constantly with the goalkeepers throughout. Give regular feedback to all the goalkeepers using the performance data and footage from training sessions and fixtures. Be responsible for maintenance of training / match balls, bibs, cones and all other relevant equipment as required...

Why is goalkeeping important what skills are required by the goalkeeper? ›

Goalkeepers often have to put their body into potentially dangerous places to make saves, so these skills should be developed as early as possible. Goalkeepers also need to be able to handle the pressure of the position, remain calm within the chaos of a match and be able to bounce back from mistakes.

What do football scouts look for in a goalkeeper? ›

Football scouts looking for a keeper are looking for correct positioning, great reflexes, on the ball technique and smart distribution.

Why is a skilled goalkeeper needed for a team playing football? ›

He goalie is a key position In football. These players They are the last line of defense of a team and have the responsibility to protect the goal of your team. A good goalkeeper can be the difference between a winning team and a loser.

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