“Why would you want to be a goalkeeper?” If you’ve ever been asked that question, you’re not alone. After all, goalies have to deal with huge amounts of pressure and rarely get the plaudits and acclaim of their outfield teammates. In many ways, their role is a thankless one. Their errors are magnified and the blame for defeats is often laid squarely at their feet.
Considering all of that, goalkeeper doesn’t sound like the most desirable position in a football team. Yet, countless young, aspiring footballers decide that this is role for them. One of the main reasons is that, despite the tricky parts of the job, being a goalie also comes with plenty of perks and positives. Here’s a look at a few of the best bits of being a goalkeeper.
Guaranteed Game Time
Let’s start with on obvious one: goalies very rarely get subbed off during matches. Usually, you’ll only get replaced if you pick up an injury, meaning that you should get plenty of guaranteed game time. That’s a big difference when compared to pretty much every other position on the pitch, where players are always at risk of being substituted.
Of course, if you’re in a team that has one or two other good goalies, you’ll have to compete against them for the No. 1 spot. But if you can pull that off, you’ll get to spend lots of time on the pitch. That means more time to enjoy the thrills and spills of the game. More time to practice, to improve your skills, to feel the buzz of the game around you, and to have fun.
The Thrill of 1v1 Situations
Goalkeeping can also be an exciting role to play, especially in those 1v1 moments. When a striker has broken through the defensive line, it’s just you and them, goalie against striker, and only one can come out on top. The entire game can turn on the result of that encounter, and there’s something so thrilling about that.
Sure, a 1v1 situation can be intimidating, too, and they’re certainly no fun when you end up on the losing side. However, a lot of goalkeepers live for those moments, and the more 1v1s you have, the better you get at them. Plus, there are few better feelings in sport than successfully pulling off a last-minute 1v1 save to secure a win for your side.
Commanding Your Troops
Another brilliant thing about being a goalie is that you’re basically the boss of the defence. You get to shout at your defenders, moving them about like chess pieces. It’s almost like being a military leader, commanding your troops and fine-tuning your strategy as you prepare to defend the net against every threat.
This obviously appeals to people who like to be in charge, as well as those who think tactically. You almost get to play a watered down management role as a goalkeeper, especially during set pieces. Before corners and free kicks, you need to tell players where to position themselves, who to mark, and so on. It’s the perfect role for natural born leaders.
Not Quite as Draining as Outfield Play
Goalies need to be fit. There’s no doubt about that. Especially these days, with modern goalkeepers being expected to take a more active role in many elements of the game. They can’t simply stand around and spectate anymore. However, it’s a proven fact that goalies don’t tend to do half as much running and sprinting as their outfield teammates.
For that reason, playing in goal isn’t quite as physically demanding as other positions. There will be times when you have to sprint, leap, dive, and more. But for other parts of the game, you’ll have time to catch your breath. This makes goalkeeping a suitable role to consider for younger players who find it tough to keep up with the pace of outfield play.
Huge Influence on Results
Football is a team game. Many great managers say that individual players don’t win or lose matches. Instead, the team wins or loses as a collective. However, it’s also fair to say that certain players tend to have more of an influence on the final score than others. Goalkeepers are arguably the most influential – and therefore important – players on the pitch.
As a goalie, you can make the saves that win your team a game. Or, if your strikers aren’t performing well that day, your actions could be enough to secure a draw, rather than a loss. Having so much influence over the result can be daunting, but it’s also inspiring.
A Truly Unique Position
Goalkeepers wear a different kit to everyone else. They’re the only players allowed to pick up and handle the ball without being punished. They have their own designated part of the pitch and specific rules that apply only to them. While other players practise passing, shooting, and dribbling skills during training, goalies work to improve diving, jumping, and reactions.
In other words, the goalkeeping role is 100% unique when compared to every other position. That makes it special, and it gives it a certain level of appeal in the eyes of many young players. Those who want to be different, to stand out, to play the game in their own way, they’re all drawn to the goalkeeping position.
Lots to Love About Being a Goalie
There’s a lot to love about being a goalkeeper, and so many reasons to play this position. It’s fun, thrilling, and unique. You’re sure to get plenty of time on the ground, in the best position to watch the action unfold. You have a major impact on how games pan out, and you get to influence tactics and strategy. It’s no wonder so many youngsters are drawn to that all-important space in front of the goal posts.