Goalkeeping is the Hardest Position in Soccer

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. It has a lot of positions that require different skill sets and abilities. But which is the hardest position in soccer and how does it develop this important role?

The goalkeeper, or goalie, is arguably the toughest position in soccer. Often considered to be soccer’s most important players, goalkeepers have to be skilled in all aspects of soccer: ball handling, goalkeeping, positioning, and distribution. Goalkeepers also require unique skills that are significantly different compared to other positions on the field. Nonetheless, goalkeepers tend to have the longest careers as well!

Introduction: The Role of a Goalkeeper in Soccer and its Fundamental Differences from Other Positions

The goalkeeper is the only player on the team who is allowed to use his or her hands, feet, arms, or legs to control the ball with the intention of stopping it from entering their goal. A central defender’s role in soccer is to defend the goal area and prevent opponents from scoring as well. They are usually positioned in front of their own goal and act as a last line of defence in front of the goalie. However, a key difference is that defenders are not allowed to use any parts of the hands or arms to control the ball.

Soccer Midfielders control the space between the forward and defense positions to gain and maintain possession of the ball. Their main job is to pass, dribble and shoot with control from a central position. They are also called “box-to-box” midfielders because they can play both offense and defense.

Soccer Forwards (Strikers) are the players who stay in front of the opposing goal and are the team’s primary scorers. The strikers’ main job is to shoot with power and accuracy from a forward position. Most importantly, strikers have to score as many goals as possible.

What are the Most Important Skills that Every Goalkeeper Must Have?

Agility and Reflexes

The most important skills that every goalkeeper must have are agility and reflexes. Goalkeepers must be able to move quickly in order to avoid shots from opponents and they need quick reflexes in order to save those shots. Goalkeepers need excellent hand-eye coordination in order to catch and block high-velocity shots or balls that are coming at them at all angles from close range or at a distance.

Positioning

Goalkeeper positioning is critical. The best defensive teams have goalkeepers that are extremely smart about where they position themselves on the field, who can gather themselves quickly when an opportunity for a save arises, who are able to switch across zones of the field with ease, and who are able to see the field of play very well.

Hand Ball Control

The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to control the ball with their hands inside their penalty area. If a goalkeeper touches the ball outside of this area, a free kick and or penalty will be awarded to their opponent. Additionally, a card maybe issued to the goalie depending on the play. Thus, goalkeepers need to be strong and agile enough to catch, hold, and throw the ball multiple times a game at distance and accurately.

Ball Distribution

Goalkeepers need to be more than just the last line of defense. Goalkeepers also need to have extremely strong and accurate clearance kicks to distribute the ball to attacking teammates. They need to be proficient at distributing the ball. More so, if their team’s attack is not in a particularly good position or the ability to play the ball up the pitch via the defense is not viable.

Goalkeeper Communication

Another often overlooked skill is goalkeeper communication. Communication between the goalkeeper and the defenders often determines how successful a team strategy will be. Communication is key in order for a keeper to know and control what the defense is doing, what they are going through, and how they are feeling. Goalkeepers have the best view of the entire field of play on the pitch and thus have the best perspective to communicate strategy and positioning with their teammates.

Why is Goalkeeper the Hardest Position in Soccer?

The goalkeeper is arguably the most important player on the soccer field and definitely the hardest position. Not only do they need to excel in all the key skills above, they are ultimately in charge of protecting the goal and stopping any shots that come their way to maintain a clean sheet. Yet despite all this responsibility, goalkeepers are often looked down upon by other players and coaches.

It is easy to see why goalkeepers are looked down upon when you take a look at their job description. Goalkeepers have to stand in front of a net for 90 minutes while seemingly not looking involved or active while waiting to defend an attack. This leaves them with little opportunity to show off their skills as they wait patiently for something to happen that allows them to show off what they can do with the ball (or not) in extremely explosive spurts. In reality, the goalie is integral to the team from both defensive and offensive position.

In addition to their incredible reflexes, vision and game management, goalkeepers must be aware of their positioning at all times. They are the last line of defense in a possession-based game. It is critical for keepers to be positioned in the right place at the right time.

Responsibilities of a Goalkeeper

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Keeping their line of sight clear of the goal
• Making sure that they are always prepared for a shot from an opponent or a header from an opponent’s teammate
• Making reflexive and accurate saves when shots come in at close distance
• Playing the ball out of a crowded penalty area
• Maintaining good fitness levels through training and preparation
• Keeping organized with the team’s defensive positioning and strategy
• Communicating with the rest of their team
• Ensuring teammates are aware of what is happening on the field
• Playing in a position that protects their teammates
• Stopping shots on penalty kicks and shootouts

What are Some of the Most Famous Goalkeepers of All-Time?

Some of the most famous goalkeepers of all-time include:

• Lev Yashin (Russian)
• Gordon Banks (English)
• Peter Schmeichel (Danish)
• José Luis Chilavert (Argentine)
• Iker Casillas (Spanish).

Recently, we have seen world-renowned goalkeepers like Manuel Neuer (German) and David De Gea (Spanish) take the field. Some of the longest active goalkeepers in top level soccer include:

• Hugo Lloris (French)
• Keylor Navas (Costa Rican)
• Thibault Courtois (Belgian)

The oldest professional goalkeeper is Gianluigi Buffon (Italian) who is 44 years old and still plays for Parma (2022).

Goalkeeper Longevity

Goalkeepers have the hardest position in soccer. Nonetheless, they also tend to have the longest playing careers as well. Goalkeepers have longer careers because their skills can be maintained at a high level even at a more advanced age. According to Soccerblade, goalkeepers tend to retire around 38 years old. Compare that to field players who tend to retire around the age of 35 according to Authority Soccer.

In conclusion

The goalkeeper is a very difficult and challenging position in soccer. A goalkeeper’s role in soccer is fundamentally different from the other positions and requires a lot of skill and ability that not many players possess. This makes goalkeepers crucial to soccer teams, because they can make or break a game.

The most important skills of a goalkeeper are agility and reflexes. Goalkeepers must be able to move quickly in order to avoid shots from opponents and they need quick reflexes in order to save those shots. The best defensive teams have goalkeepers that are also extremely smart about where and how they position themselves in front of the net.

Goalkeepers need to be athletic and strong enough to hold their ground and play through balls. As importantly, they must have the ability to distribute the ball and communicate with their team.

The goalkeeper is definitely the hardest position to play in soccer. There are many famous goalkeepers and goalkeepers tend to play thru longer careers. They are important in every aspect of the game. From keeping their defensive line organized to communicating with and protecting teammates.

If you are an adult recreational or semi-professional goalkeeper, list yourself today on Subsneeded. List and showoff your skills, set your availability and take bookings from teams desperately looking for good goalkeepers. Ensure you charge a fee as well. You are in huge demand and extremely valuable to any competitive team looking to win!