Eagle33
PREMIER
Gk's are a special breed.
Like any other position on the field it's really about passion, understanding and how good you are at it. Goalkeeper position changed a lot during past decade. It's no longer about just shot stopping but rather starting the attacking play. Keepers need to be very good at seeing the field, understanding the game and great with their feet. All of this doesn't come from just being in goal and saving shots. One of the goalkeepers I know, who currently plays college, went to few pro tryouts in England and they told him that he is great shot stopper but NOT a goalkeeper and to keep on working on his distribution skills. Many professional keepers who is playing or played at the highest level used to be field players. Great examples of this is Tim Howard and Hope Solo.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with players playing in both goal and the field as long as possible, and it doesn't mean that they will be bad at either if they don't specialize in one. Normally, and of course they are exceptions, goalkeepers is the best athletes on the team and can play any position. It does require specific set of skills and specialized training, but it would help tremendously if every keeper can play all positions to understand the game better.
Specializing at early age at any position is wrong and good coaches will move players so they can get not only the experience, but also appreciation for every position.
Like any other position on the field it's really about passion, understanding and how good you are at it. Goalkeeper position changed a lot during past decade. It's no longer about just shot stopping but rather starting the attacking play. Keepers need to be very good at seeing the field, understanding the game and great with their feet. All of this doesn't come from just being in goal and saving shots. One of the goalkeepers I know, who currently plays college, went to few pro tryouts in England and they told him that he is great shot stopper but NOT a goalkeeper and to keep on working on his distribution skills. Many professional keepers who is playing or played at the highest level used to be field players. Great examples of this is Tim Howard and Hope Solo.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with players playing in both goal and the field as long as possible, and it doesn't mean that they will be bad at either if they don't specialize in one. Normally, and of course they are exceptions, goalkeepers is the best athletes on the team and can play any position. It does require specific set of skills and specialized training, but it would help tremendously if every keeper can play all positions to understand the game better.
Specializing at early age at any position is wrong and good coaches will move players so they can get not only the experience, but also appreciation for every position.