Pepe Reina or Total Goalkeeping

I love Reina. He is one true constant for Liverpool the last four seasons. No major injuries, a remarkable save percentage, a stunning kick, and a very high pass completion record. And a goal keeper. Give the lack of injury record he has to Gerrard, Carra or the now departed Torres, what could have been ? But, as my late father used to say " if my aunt had wheels she'd be a bus".

So just what is Reina? He isn't a bus, but he plays as big as one, he isn't Saurez, but he dribbles like him, he isn't a sweeper, but defends like one, he isn't Luka Modric, but he can pass like him, and he isn't John Elway, but he acts like an NFL Quarterback in any event. What is he? Perhaps the best representation of the "modern" goal keeper in the English Premier League because of all he is able and required to do. He is for want of a better expression the "total goalkeeper".

Total Goalkeeping

So why "total goalkeeping"? Because today's goalkeeper needs to be able to participate in all aspects of the game, much like the Dutch "Total Football" concept of 40 years ago.

I began to think about this after reading an article in 4-4-2 magazine regarding the pass back rule and what changes it created to the game and what restrictions, and opportunities it gave to goalkeepers. No longer were they able to pick up a pass back and hold on to it, they were required to become more engaged and versatile players. If the ball came back, they had to make a decision about what to do. Pass, dribble, or clear. This is done in the context of what else is going on on the field of play. They had to become aware. Just launching it upfield wouldn't cut it anymore. Launching it upfield just made the keeper a "Scud" missile launcher. The pass back rule required the keeper to become a "smart bomb".

Now Reina, and others like him (Van der Sar, Casillas, Valdez, Neuer, Cech) need a wide skill set to perform in todays game. After size, which cannot be trained, what are the traits we are looking for in the "Total Goalkeeper"?

I list the following for your consideration:

1. Good first touch. The player needs to have the ability to receive a pass, and take a positive touch with the ball to the advantage of the team and in response to what is going on in front of him.

2. Able to pass long or short, by hand or foot, and accurately

3. Responsible, mature and accountable

4. Athletic, good core strength, and agile

5, Independent and confident in their ability to stop any shot (self confidence)

6. Can direct other players in attack and defence

7. Trains well and participates in all aspects of training

8. Has a strong tactical sense of the game

9. Is willing to take penalty shots. They don't have to, but they have to have the fortitude and dedication to their team to do it if required. I always have my keepers train in both taking and saving penalties.

10. Brave

Some of these are character traits, others are physical. Not all players will have the same skills or qualities in equal amounts, but the good keeper seek to improve the skills where she is weakest. My experience has been that they are weakest with their touch and passing. I believe this comes from the initial training they receive as keepers as shot stoppers only. Human pylons, that drop kick only. So, as a result, every practice I involve them in passing, receiving and movement, shooting, and juggling. When I involve them in scrimmages, usually 5 asides, I do not allow drop kick as I want them to pass off the ground, or throw the ball. I encourage them to play the game, as much as possible, as any other player on the squad. They have to be as complete a footballer as they can, or as I say it a "Total Goalkeeper".

KEEPER SESSION

This is a really simple game. It requires two full nets, a supply of balls, two keepers and 10 or so cones. Use the net on the goal line and place the other net on the 18 yard line facing the first net. Extend the boundaries of the six yard box to the 18 yard box using the cones. Also place several cones for a "half-line" in the pitch. The keepers go in their nets, and one keeper throws, or shoots at the other keeper's net trying to score. The other keeper tries to save the shot, and as quickly as possible tries to score in the other net. The only restriction is that the keeper stays in her own half. Each keeper needs to be aware of scoring opportunities, they must be ready to stop shots as quickly as possible, and all the while make tactical and technical decisions to effectively play the game. The first player to 10 wins the game.