With Valdes out for the season in a horrific injury to his ACL that has ended one of his greatest season's in goal, the Catalan goalkeeper leaves both his club and his national side in between a rock and a hard place.
The injury will put him out of World Cup selection
indefinitely, freeing up a space for another goalkeeping option. And with Casillas still lacking game time behind fan favourite Diego Lopez at club level, fans and critics alike will be scratching their heads in confusion all over the planet.
Whilst Spain have the firepower to take on any of the contestants at Rio, the lack of goalkeeping depth could be a major turning point in the summer tournament with the lack of options in their goalkeeping department. Without regular game practice, a goalkeeper (like any other player) can get rusty without it, really effecting decision making which is key at this level of football; causing problem for the defenders as they struggle to know what their role is against each scoring chance. A real reason Cesar left for Toronto.
This leaves Spain short if an injury was to happen, or the coaching staff lost faith in Casillas. Unlike England, Casillas is Spain's incumbent (unquestioned starter) based on his ability in clutch situations and leading them to Euro and World Cup finals wins. Reina has actually been doing well on his loan deal at Napoli, especially in the surprise 2-0 win against Juventus, where his "sweeper keeper" style and accurate distribution meant he set up the second goal.
And with Valdes gone, Reina gets bumped to second choice, leaving a slot open for a third choice 'keeper. De Gea is seen as the heir apparent, with his experience at U21's level, but the depth (which would make a lot of nations jealous) has kept him out of full call-up for a while. Whilst his saves are often jaw dropping, he still needs to develop his overall game, no matter what pundits and fans alike think.
So, in short, how bad is it? And where does this leave the GK Union (and coaches) wanting or wondering?
Whilst Spain have the firepower to take on any of the contestants at Rio, the lack of goalkeeping depth could be a major turning point in the summer tournament with the lack of options in their goalkeeping department. Without regular game practice, a goalkeeper (like any other player) can get rusty without it, really effecting decision making which is key at this level of football; causing problem for the defenders as they struggle to know what their role is against each scoring chance. A real reason Cesar left for Toronto.
This leaves Spain short if an injury was to happen, or the coaching staff lost faith in Casillas. Unlike England, Casillas is Spain's incumbent (unquestioned starter) based on his ability in clutch situations and leading them to Euro and World Cup finals wins. Reina has actually been doing well on his loan deal at Napoli, especially in the surprise 2-0 win against Juventus, where his "sweeper keeper" style and accurate distribution meant he set up the second goal.
And with Valdes gone, Reina gets bumped to second choice, leaving a slot open for a third choice 'keeper. De Gea is seen as the heir apparent, with his experience at U21's level, but the depth (which would make a lot of nations jealous) has kept him out of full call-up for a while. Whilst his saves are often jaw dropping, he still needs to develop his overall game, no matter what pundits and fans alike think.
So, in short, how bad is it? And where does this leave the GK Union (and coaches) wanting or wondering?
- Barca could loose La Liga title after Courtois (arguably the best goalkeeper in Europe right now) has helped Athletico steal points in tight games and rise to the top
- Barca need a better goalkeeper to start games than Pinto, but refuse to make an emergency loan
- Spain loses a 'keeper that can play as a sweeper and defend in tight on 1-on-1's which is pretty much the main scoring chance against a side that defends as well as Spain
- De Gea gets the chance to bench warm and extend his season
- Casillas is still rusty and an unexperienced (goalkeeper at this level) might have to endure a baptism of fire for Spain to progress = risky
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