Westwood deserves a second chance

Whilst there are plenty of goalkeepers that have had media notable seasons, one that has quietly gone about his business largely unnoticed is that of Sheffield Wednesday's Keiren Westwood. The Irish international was seen as a liability for Premier League standard play, and was replaced by Mannone and City's Pantilimon was brought in, but like Craig Gordon, has been on fire and showing what his former employers are missing.

When Sunderland let Westwood go in the summer, they thought they were freeing themselves off a deadweight (injured goalkeepers automatically drop low in stock despite how well they have been played - hint - try not to get injured!) and another wage packet. And instead of letting that get to him and ruin his confidence and self belief, he turned things around massively.

He looks like the real deal because of his hybridised approach (able to deal with anything and select the right save for each shot etc.) and a great acquisition should any of the Premier League's teams go looking for a new 'keeper in the off-season. Voted onto the PFA Championship team of the season and picking up various awards, he is a definite upgrade for his team and any other looking to take on his services.

A lot of Westwood's success has been down to his save selection and attacking depth (changed to deal with shots near the goal line, as seen in the highlights), so it is worth noting analysis of his save technique. Unafraid to be unorthodox, he has had a lot of success with properly used leg saves to block lower and cover with quick reactions low when he cannot dive out to reach low.

So, he are some worthy save pointers:

• Westwood has made a lot of leg saves this season (more than De Gea ;) and in all of the English leagues) - a style popular in Europe (something Cech might do but rarely) BUT ALSO has brilliant rebound control to push the ball away ON the save to get it away to safety
• Great rebound control - sees shot early, and controls ball to safe area free of players (and their rebound attempts)
• Happy to 'get big' and block with his body on point blank range shots
• Reading the game really well - well aware of danger before it happens and very quick off his line to deal with or get in position to do so
• Big selection of saves 'in the toolbox' to help him deal with any and every possible save situation
• Brave and courageous - important in 1 on 1's and more importantly to play so well when you are worried about having another dangerous injury (i.e. career ending)
• Incredibly confident - has an air of certainty and supremacy that carries around the team i.e. not worried about losing the game because of their goalie or having to defend and run extra (shown in body languge, dominating his area etc.)