June 2021 - Just Keepers

Yann Sommer Spotted Training in Sunglasses

Yann Sommer was the hero for Switzerland on Monday night, after he denied Kylian Mbappé from the spot to send his team through to the quarter finals.

In what was a fantastic evening of football, the match ended 3-3 between the two sides, meaning that the tie would be settled by the dreaded penalties.

All eyes were on the Swiss keeper as he stepped up to the plate to send EURO 2020 favourites France, crashing out of the competition.

Sommer was spotted training in a pair of special sunglasses prior to the match and fans have speculated that they were the key to his shootout success.

There's a detail that played a key role in Sommer dream night: the use of Strobe Glasses during the GK training session. This glasses emit flashing lights through the lenses, blinding the wearer intermittently w/ the aim of increasing the ability to react. Is this the secret? pic.twitter.com/swAsRzZNXI
— nss sports (@nss_sports_) June 29, 2021

So no, the glasses were not a fashion statement, but in fact battery-powered, shutter effect sunglasses.

They are made by a Japanese company called VisionUp with the purpose of improving reaction time and anticipation.

The glasses feature an adjustable shutter speed so that users can alter the level of sight in order to strengthen visual skills.

On VisionUp’s website they state that the spectacles “stimulate your brain and improve your vision by intermittent shutter”.

Visual skills that the glasses focuses on include “kinetic visual acuity, dynamic visual acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception & hand-eye coordination”

Will we see more goalkeepers using this kind of technology in the future?

Let us know your thoughts by connecting with us on our socials!

Glove Spotting: Yann Sommer

Sommer was wearing his own variation of the Puma FUTURE Z Grip 1 Hybrid’s, in what was a historic night for his nation.

Shop all the latest goalkeeper gloves from Puma and all the major brands, at Just Keepers. We offer the best range of goalkeeper gloves, goalkeeper clothing and goalkeeper essentials anywhere in the world.

All of our products are hand picked to offer you all the products you need all in one place. Remember we are the original online goalkeeper specialists…

Just Keepers – The Number Ones Number One

EURO 2020 – Keepers of the Group Stage

The EURO 2020 group stages have officially come to a close, after an entertaining evening of football concluded the preliminary round.

With the knockout stages looming, we took a look at some of the best performing goalkeepers so far in the tournament.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Appearances: 3

Clean Sheets: 3

Goals Conceded: 0

After not conceding a goal over the 3 matches, Donnarumma simply has to make the list. Whilst the Italian goalkeeper remained relatively untroubled over the course of the the group stages, he contributed to what was an excellent start to the competition for Mancini’s side.

Danny Ward

Appearances: 3

Clean Sheets: 1

Goals Conceded: 2

Wales managed to secure 2nd place in Group A despite the odds being against them. The Leicester number 2 has stood out as one of his teams best performers so far, making a number of good saves across the opening matches.

Jordan Pickford

Appearances: 3

Clean Sheets: 3

Goals Conceded: 0

Like Donnarumma, Pickford is the only other goalkeeper not to concede a goal in the EURO 2020 group stages. So for that reason alone, the Everton goalkeeper makes the list.

Robin Olsen

Appearances: 3

Clean Sheets: 2

Goals Conceded: 2

Robin Olsen played a key role in Sweden’s unbeaten progression to the knockout stages of the competition. His highlight so far will likely be his excellent performance to shut out 3 time champions, Spain.

Thibaut Courtois

Appearances: 3

Clean Sheets: 2

Goals Conceded: 1

Along with Italy & the Netherlands, Courtois’ side were the only other nation to achieve 9 points from 9. The Real Madrid shot stopper will be hoping to continue his fine form and get his hands on Belgium’s first European title.

Shop all the latest goalkeeper gloves from all the major brands, at Just Keepers. We offer the best range of goalkeeper gloves, goalkeeper clothing and goalkeeper essentials anywhere in the world.

All of our products are hand picked to offer you all the products you need all in one place. Remember we are the original online goalkeeper specialists…

Just Keepers – The Number Ones Number One

England vs Scotland: Goalkeeper Quiz

England & Scotland face off for the first time in over 4 years tonight, as they meet in the second game of the EURO 2020 group stages.

Southgate’s Three Lions will be hoping to make it 6 points from 6, whereas Steve Clarkes side will be desperate for a win to keep their EURO dreams alive.

It is likely that Pickford will start for England, whilst Scotland are expected to opt for the experienced David Marshall between the posts.

Can you name the eight goalkeepers who have played in England vs Scotland since 1996?

Test your knowledge in the quiz below!

Let us know how you got on by connecting with us on our social media platforms.

Just Keepers – The Number Ones Number One

Buffon Returns to Boyhood Club

Gianluigi Buffon has re-signed with his boyhood club, Parma after making his debut for the Italian side 26 years ago.

With his contract expiring at Juventus, Buffon wasted no time in signing his new deal, that will keep him at the club until 2023.

At 43 years old, many would’ve expected the legendary keeper to be hanging up his gloves, but he has made it clear that his work is not yet finished.

His main goal will likely be to gain promotion back to Italy’s top tier, after Parma were relegated from the top flight last season.

Rewind over 25 years, and the clubs situation was much different to what it is this time around.

A 17 year old Buffon would be making his Parma debut, who were a highly established team in Italian football.

He would spend 6 years here before attracting the interest of European giants, Juventus who signed him for around £47 million in 2001.

During his first stint at Parma, he tasted success on multiple occasions winning the Coppa Italia, UEFA Cup & Italian super cup.

This was clearly a sign of things to come for Buffon who now boasts over 25 major honours in his professional career.

Glove Spotting: Gianluigi Buffon

Buffon has been wearing the Puma ULTRA Grip 1 Hybrid Pro’s in recent times.

Just Keepers – The Number Ones Number One