Assessing Casillas' troubles

Everyone has seen Iker Casillas' fall to pieces at the World Cup right now, and a lot can be said about what happened. Personally, I think there were multiple factors, and getting demoted to the bench in favour of Diego Lopez didn't help matters. It was going to happen, and it did. So to summarise about my thoughts, I've summed up my thoughts below, to save me writing (and you reading!) paragraph upon paragraph:

• He did make some great saves, but once his team had given up the effort, things were going to go bad from then on in
• You could see that his confidence was hit and spiraled out of control: for a goalkeeper to be at their best, they have to be really certain in their ability and Casillas was second-guessing, self doubting, and not playing as commanding as we have seen him in previous world beating form (electing to punch instead of catch etc.)
• Spain were playing a higher line and recycling the ball more through the back four, forcing Casillas to play as a passing sweeper - something he doesn't do, and what Valdes is best at actually - which got him caught out in the thrashing in the first game to add to his woes
• Casillas only got to play in cup games this season, which is not enough to expect to be at peak performance for a World Cup; friendlies maybe, but not when you have the expectant winners to continue their reign! He really should have cut ties with Madrid and looked for regular playing time elsewhere. Cesar looks fine, but the MLS would tie into a strong enough build up to peaking for Rio versus a significant layoff
• Valdes' injury at Barca really made a difference; coming off a strong season, he really could have come in straight away and played as the sweeper role as well as expected to have made great stops as he had been in La Liga had he been fit!
• The coach needed to be more brutal and either ask Casillas to look elsewhere for match time if he wanted to play at Rio, or to make a choice to bring in another goalkeeper. Cillesen is playing great for Holland and many would say that Krul and Vorm are better keepers, but he was forced into playing due to their injuries, and has been consistent for Van Gaal so far and could see them all the way through to the finals
• The pressure on such a celebrity figure like Iker has a great impact on the sports psychology of goalkeeping. The more stress packed up on him can make things even more tricky with decision making as he totally lost self confidence and therefore his team lost confidence in him
• Having broken into the first team at Real Madrid at incredibly young age for a goalkeeper, the last nagging question is: has Casillas peaked to soon? Are his best days over? For goalkeepers, 30s are their prime time, but Casillas had most of his best seasons before that period. And if we look to other sports, like ice hockey, Jonathan Quick didn't become the starter at LA until he was 26 and has won 2 Stanley Cups in 3 seasons, whilst Fleury is also regressing. Akinfeev is struggling; is peaking-too-soon showing similarities here??

Pro Used: Fabianski's fingersaves

Another recent goalie acquisition, was a pair made for Fabianski. I can only assume these were a training pair, as he doesn't seem to use fingersaves for matches. Now with Swansea, these were made specially for him during his time at Arsenal. Interestingly, they had fingersaves at the thumb as well as the other fingers. This is something you don't often see this level of player using (normally just the four fingered reinforcements) and the thumb curve was very rigid and close to the thumb within the glove.

The fingersaves were pre-curved and fixed in (not removable), and bent in a way that it made it difficult to properly bend at the fingers to make a strong catch to hold the ball. However, this would be great in training and for fingertip stops to make sure the fingers weren't bent back during the save.

The glove cut was also rollfinger (a lot more 'roomy' than the Kenny cut). They were essentially an adaptation of the Bionic Uhlsport model.

Pro Used: Kenny's Sells

As a bit of a kit fanatic, I love getting the chance to try out professional standard goalkeeping gear whenever I have the chance. I don't think much compares as a goalie obsessive to wearing kit that has been specially made for an elite level GK. In America, for ice hockey especially, a lot of goalies will get 'pro returns' at a great price, allowing them to play with great protection and extra features not normally featured in stock pads (like an SMU glove basically). And I think this is something that would be great to feature on the blog to add a bit of spice and difference.

Personally, I think it would be awesome to have this kind of thing seen more regularly in the football GK Union, with lower level GK's learning more about gloves and their features by getting the chance to play with a pair worn by their fan fave goalie.

First up is a pair of Sells rollfinger Aqua gloves made for Paddy Kenny. I got them from that well known auction site (aka Ebay!) where you can often find some great deals. First impressions were how much they were an incredibly tight fit. I have slight (slim/thin) fingers, apparently like those of an artist/sculptor/painter and with the rollfinger design made to conform to the finger as close as possible, it was really noticeable how tight the fit was.

I think this would have a big impact in game, as it was harder to bring the fingers in, versus the cut-in designs you see that make it easier to bend the fingers without limiting glove W shape. This was pretty much the main design change, other than the added extra venting, with the glove pretty much stock otherwise.

Gloves before the wash!

The bacteria noticeable after the wash!!

Rinat on show with Valladares

Rinat are a glove company that are well known within the Hispanic community, with a lot of goalkeepers in South America using them, and also famous names in the Spanish La Liga. I had assumed that Keylor Navas (well advertised as one of their main sponsored players) would be sporting a pair for Costa Rica, but it seems he's switched over to Sells gloves, like Valdes has. That leaves Honduras goalkeeper and captain Valladares wearing them. Which means they have 'made the big time', with the company seeing their gloves wore in a major tournament like the World Cup. Theoretically they should therefore be up to the standard of play otherwise I can't see goalkeepers putting their trust in them for protection against such stingy shots by world class strikers. And hopefully they'll get some more customers with the brand getting noticed internationally on this scale!

Akinfeev's implosion

Just as Ochoa has drawn a lot of praise in the media, so has Akinfeev's nervous collapse been highlighted. For me, I really think this is a psychological thing, but can't quite pinpoint it exactly. Igor has long been considered one of Russia's great goalkeepers and with strong performances in the UEFA and previous World Cup tournaments, having taken over as 1st choice with his club at the age of 16, with scouts and pundits taking a liking to him, but for some reason things have gone more than a little wrong. The weather (with the torrential showers taking place in quite a few matches at the moment) may have had something to add to making it worse, but he couldn't seem to catch a thing.

He is also normally great at catching and has strong hands. But he fumbled about four shots, with one ending up in the back of the net. I really think there is something going under the surface, mentally, for whatever reason that needs addressing. If he was as confident as he usually is, this wouldn't be happening, as he would be making the right choices; sticking to them and being forceful in commanding his area.

Compared to his usual performances, this is terrible. In the sense that he is normally so consistent and strong mentally, and is not known for his mistake making. The goal he did allow, he needed to have been more convicted with his decision making, and punched it away, on a good angle, or left his feet and gone for the catch. By electing to palm away and not pushing the ball away on a good angle, he ended up popping it up and over him for the OG.

It could also have something to do with a possible change in coaching or similar, which shouldn't be ruled out. If he is in two minds over whether to punch/parry or catch, this can be creeping into his decision making. As the ball comes in and he keeps changing his mind, things go wrong, and then his confidence is destroyed from then on in.

Whatever it is, he needs to go away and strengthen his mind and confidence, if he wants his team to do well, or start the next game. Just like Gomes just needed a good sports psychologist whilst he had his own struggles at Tottenham, so does Afinkeev need encouragement. Support from his coach, his team mates and Russian media should help, and so long as he stays mentally strong going forward, he should be back at his best in no time.

The pressure on the modern player is almost unthinkable compared to previous years and generations. All goalkeepers know how much pressure is put on them for their team to succeed, and critics and fans should keep this in mind when considering Igor's meltdown.

Cesar not affected by lay-off

Watching the Brazil - Mexico game, it was good to see that Cesar was in good form against table matching opponents and good rivals Mexico. Strong and mentally in tune with the game, he made some key stops, pushing one shot over the bar, with great awareness. Able to pull out the stops in the closing of the game to keep it 0-0, he made a great Cesar-like (what fans are used to from him!) save, pushing away the drive to the centre of goal, with a strong push to clear the rebound away. It was a little close to comfort, but given the angle of the shot, and incoming defender, wasn't much he could do about it. The push away also helped as he would have had enough time to set and recover for the next shot, if that had happened.

There were big question marks over how well he would do given the significant lay-off he faced after being benched by Redknapp at QPR and only a few games in with Toronto in the MLS, but he is showing it's not a case for concern. In his last world cup outing, he struggled about with confidence and decision making, but going by his performances so far, he has clearly put that behind him and should be able to carry his team should they continue to struggle.

Ochoa impressing on the big stage

One of the standout goalkeepers in Rio so far has been Ochoa. A goalkeeper that likes to sit deep in his area, hanging around the goal line, and rely on his reflexes and athleticism, he has incorporated this in his game approach at the tournament. Applying , he has found a way to play to his strengths, coming together for some cracking saves against headed crosses and long drives.

With his status listed as a free agent, having finished his season in Ligue 1, he is sure to be looking to alert scouts to sort out a new deal once the tournament is over.

Against Cameroon he made a top drawer save in the dying moments of the game. Showing a high concentration level of calmness but also steady awareness, that is key to success at this standard, he has shown he is more than ready to 'switch on' at the last second to make the stop. Teams don't exactly want their goalkeeper to drop off to sleep with little work to do, and Ochoa is proving his mental awareness. Making a diving stop in extension to claw away the ball in the last moments of the game helped ensure Cameroon couldn't get on the score board for Mexico to wrap it up, and should not be underestimated.

And against Brazil, he was also in great form to pull off 3 point (game winning) saves to ensure that Mexico came away with a draw against the tournament favourites. Rushing out to block a 1 on 1 after his defence failed to respond, he also made a great stop to turn Neymar's long range effort past the past (using his cat like and deep reflex style as mentioned) and also to get something behind a headed cross, palming away; most importantly with great positional sense in order to get behind the redirect.

As the games go on, Ochoa is sure to crank it up and show his mettle for goalkeeping fans across the world!!

Matt Ryan awarded best goalkeeper of Belgian season

Australia's prize goalkeeping prospect Matt Ryan has grown in acclaim this season, recently being awarded the award for best goalkeeper in his first season in Belgium. The youngster has supposedly been linked with Real Madrid (according to his national team coach) and in spite of that sounding far fetched, he has great potential, clearly showing key attributes for elite aspects of goalkeeping, as well as trialling with the likes of Tottenham and others. He has a great chance to gain some great playing experience in Rio in the coming weeks, with Australia is a tough game and where he'll be called upon to play well to stop an instant exit, as well as gain extra exposure to international scouts. The Belgian league is growing, and he might see a move to France or beyond in the next milestone step in his career development.

Season review: De Vries replaces Darlow at season end

With Karl Darlow struggling at the end of the season after some great performances putting him on the radar of scouts and England coaching staff, the move to have Dorus de Vries back in between the posts, seemed sensible rather than a point of negativity towards Darlow. Too many times have young talents been burnt out and managing their development can be pretty tricky. Just as John Gibson was pulled in favour of Jonas Hiller in the final game of their playoff series against LA, it allowed Darlow to get some headspace to recover from this major losses. A goalie tandem between mature veteran and upcoming youngster is seeming often missing in British football, and helped Darlow from imploding; confidence issues are major for a goalkeeper as success in goalkeeping comes from the core of self confidence. He can use the break to rest, re-tune and be back at his best in September.

Fabianski to Swansea: thoughts

With the Fabianski to Swansea deal confirmed, there will be more uncertainty over Vorm's future at the Welsh club. The Dutch international who will be with Holland in Rio has been linked with a move to Liverpool to provide competition for Mignolet and this signing only adds to that. Until other moves happen and things become known after the World Cup, this is either a security move to add depth with second choice Tremmel not impressing in Vorm's injury absence, or a sign of Vorm's departure.

To speed along the process of analysis here's some quick points reflecting on the move:

• Vorm plays as a sweeper - both styles; distributor, being one of the greatest passers of the ball in league with great accuracy (a la Reina) - and goal chance interceptor, Lloris like in rushing out of his box to stop the attacker getting through in on goal - I don't think Fabianski can play in this style, meaning Swansea will have to adapt their defensive line and the way it plays
• Vorm makes amazing saves with his athleticism and reach rather than height! Fabianski doesn't have the matching desire to win as Vorm did when he made a name for himself
• Fabianski struggles with confidence (as shown when coming in as relief in Champions League etc.) but a lower pressure environment compared to Arsenal could help recapture his form, as with Mannone at Sunderland

Atletico Madrid sign replacement for Courtois

Atletico Madrid have moved in to sign Miguel Angel Moya from Getafe on a three year deal. This furthers the speculation over Courtois taking over at Chelsea and the possibility of Cech moving back to PSG for a fair wage. Atletico have seen quite the change in goalkeepers in recent years; not forgetting De Gea impressing enough to alert Ferguson as Van Der Saar's replacement, whilst winning the U21's tournament for Spain before the move, before Courtois joined. Having won La Liga with Courtois at the helm, it would appear that Atletico clearly have a lot of trust in their new starter, unless they expect him to bench for the Belgian star looking forward to display his talents at Rio just around the corner!

Loach to Rotherham

One of the first signings for the newly promoted Championship side Rotherham is their new goalkeeper, former U21's goalie Scott Loach. With Loach clearly capable of playing for one of the division's top sides, the signing would indicate that Rotherham are in no mind about getting demoted in the upcoming season. Loach has impressed a fair amount of Premier league scouts and was touted as being one for the future, and at 26 still has years to hit his stride in goalkeeping terms. He is a definite upgrade for Rotherham and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts over the course of the season, and whether he can be a real difference maker for helping them with their long term ambitions of higher status.

http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/millers-sign-scott-loach-1602952.aspx#RM3iYuUO8W0oSjUO.99

Myhill quitting Wales

In other news, Boaz Myhill has retired from international selection at a key time when Wales are pushing up the ladder of football after much effort, hard work and planning. Looking to spend more time with family, much like Foster's temporary absence from England, Wales will have to look for potential replacements. This leaves Wayne Hennessey as the clear cut first choice, but if he doesn't take over at Palace, Wales' goalkeeping woes may continue.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27515345

Jussi staying with the Hammers

With Adrian forcing Jussi onto the bench for 'big Sam', it's interesting to see him renew his contract for another season. It would seem that West Ham want a goalkeeper with experience for those 'just in case' situations given Adrian's slow transition into being a Premier league starter. Given how little game experience Adrian has, and how he was plucked from Spanish league obscurity, it's possible to wonder why they didn't bring in a budget younger goalkeeper for a cheap price with great upside and potential. But it's important not to forget the importance of a mentoring figure to assist in developing young goalkeepers and Adrian could learn a great deal about the expectations of playing at this level, as well as supporting each other through the season for the 'mental game' aspect of goalkeeping.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27697033

Kasper re-signs

As the signings and chopping and changing in squads begin, Leicester have moved quickly to lock up the services of their free agent first choice Kasper Schmeichel. Having been on the radar of other Premier league teams last season, like Hull, to compete for a place in strengthening a team in the top division. But after sticking with the team that took him on, he has pushed the team forward to a history defining season, winning promotion for the side. To make sure they were sure of their goalkeeper way ahead of pre-season, for changing room and defensive relations, it was important for Leicester to keep his services. It will be the first time Kasper will be playing in the Premier league since his time under Erikson at Man City.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27704670