Nick Rimando of Real Salt Lake has been more than impressing enough for national scouts and coaching staff to give him recent call-ups to the international side. Given the chance to start rather than bench as he has been, he is repaying the faith of his coaches. Competing in a friendly against Mexico most recently and having the opportunity to further prove himself and his ability.
And as the World Cup squads reach their final stages of selection across the globe, let's not forget the need for a strong third choice. Anything could happen and it's best not to take things for granted when it comes to relying on a standout first choice. Just like Marchetti having to step in for Italy in 2010 after Buffon's injury. Or Marcus Hahnemann stepping in for Howard. A regular choice as third choice for America, he also knows his role, but more than that, as a team player and leader off the pitch, gives America qualities other teams won't have; making sure there is friendly competition between goalkeepers and they are in a good state mentally (as required for the pressure position of goalie) to play their best in games when selected.
Proving scouts and agents wrong about size
Another noteworthy part of Nick's rise to elite status, is his size. Legendary goalkeepers from previous generations (Banks, Clemence, Shilton etc.) have said time and time again how size isn't everything, and it is more important to have a strong technical game and abilities that can't be taught; such as reading the game and saving intuition and natural reaction speeds. And yet this goes totally ignored by scouts in the pro leagues more interested in visual stature than ability, especially in England right now.
And Nick is dismantling this pointless myth. If a goalkeeper with better technique and ability is overlooked through size, even if his ability to jump and launch off the ground is more than enough, we may as well all put our head in the sand and give up coaching goalies! And Nick is a great inspiration for those of us who don't top 6'6 or more. Determined to prove doubters wrong, take heart and be prepared to go the distance just as he has!
At 5'10, Rimando is not the tallest but this doesn't stop him being one of the MLS's best goalies. Michel Vorm is another goalkeeper disproving the myth about height. Able to reach shots that Tremmel cannot with his technique, even if he is a lot taller, Vorm steals Swansea wins and gets them points, as well as having great distribution (ranked highest in stats atm) and acting like a solid sweeper at times. And the same is true with Rimando as Vorm; like Manny Legace in ice hockey, don't let comments grind you down, keep fighting and the opportunities will come as people notice your true ability!
This gives hope to those who are a little challenged vertically (not sure if that sounds humorous enough, oh well, just trying to make light of the sizesists!), like myself, who aren't six foot and never will be, of the chances of playing to a high level with the use of a natural abilities and athleticism. In America, there is definitely no 'glass ceiling' for goalkeepers and height. For now it is so, but hopefully it will stay the same and stand out from the crowd across the world. Let talent reign and not height be an automatic qualifier!!
With English scouts preferring size and visual presence over true talent and athleticism and agility, it's a struggle to prove coaches at lower levels they are wrong. The system of scouting for money and ignorance fails to support domestic talent. But this can be countered with learning a higher jump and learning to communicate with defenders when it comes to dealing with crosses.
For a great physical reflection of the size differential, you can see the difference in the following link!
Considered a little unorthodox in his approach, he is a true competitor and fights for his team mates (without a left hook obviously!). You can see some of his best highlight reel stops below, a great motivational for any goalie, no matter how tall (or small!)!
And as the World Cup squads reach their final stages of selection across the globe, let's not forget the need for a strong third choice. Anything could happen and it's best not to take things for granted when it comes to relying on a standout first choice. Just like Marchetti having to step in for Italy in 2010 after Buffon's injury. Or Marcus Hahnemann stepping in for Howard. A regular choice as third choice for America, he also knows his role, but more than that, as a team player and leader off the pitch, gives America qualities other teams won't have; making sure there is friendly competition between goalkeepers and they are in a good state mentally (as required for the pressure position of goalie) to play their best in games when selected.
Proving scouts and agents wrong about size
Another noteworthy part of Nick's rise to elite status, is his size. Legendary goalkeepers from previous generations (Banks, Clemence, Shilton etc.) have said time and time again how size isn't everything, and it is more important to have a strong technical game and abilities that can't be taught; such as reading the game and saving intuition and natural reaction speeds. And yet this goes totally ignored by scouts in the pro leagues more interested in visual stature than ability, especially in England right now.
And Nick is dismantling this pointless myth. If a goalkeeper with better technique and ability is overlooked through size, even if his ability to jump and launch off the ground is more than enough, we may as well all put our head in the sand and give up coaching goalies! And Nick is a great inspiration for those of us who don't top 6'6 or more. Determined to prove doubters wrong, take heart and be prepared to go the distance just as he has!
At 5'10, Rimando is not the tallest but this doesn't stop him being one of the MLS's best goalies. Michel Vorm is another goalkeeper disproving the myth about height. Able to reach shots that Tremmel cannot with his technique, even if he is a lot taller, Vorm steals Swansea wins and gets them points, as well as having great distribution (ranked highest in stats atm) and acting like a solid sweeper at times. And the same is true with Rimando as Vorm; like Manny Legace in ice hockey, don't let comments grind you down, keep fighting and the opportunities will come as people notice your true ability!
This gives hope to those who are a little challenged vertically (not sure if that sounds humorous enough, oh well, just trying to make light of the sizesists!), like myself, who aren't six foot and never will be, of the chances of playing to a high level with the use of a natural abilities and athleticism. In America, there is definitely no 'glass ceiling' for goalkeepers and height. For now it is so, but hopefully it will stay the same and stand out from the crowd across the world. Let talent reign and not height be an automatic qualifier!!
With English scouts preferring size and visual presence over true talent and athleticism and agility, it's a struggle to prove coaches at lower levels they are wrong. The system of scouting for money and ignorance fails to support domestic talent. But this can be countered with learning a higher jump and learning to communicate with defenders when it comes to dealing with crosses.
For a great physical reflection of the size differential, you can see the difference in the following link!
Considered a little unorthodox in his approach, he is a true competitor and fights for his team mates (without a left hook obviously!). You can see some of his best highlight reel stops below, a great motivational for any goalie, no matter how tall (or small!)!
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