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The growing talent of A-League goalkeepers

16th December, 2010
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Roar Guru
16th December, 2010
10
1359 Reads

Technical development and creating a pathway for potential Socceroos are the primary objectives of the A-League.

With an ever so improving competition, influx of superior players, faster paced game, greater fitness levels and in addition a superior product for spectators, the A-League is heading in the right direction.

Well, on the pitch, anyhow.

The bulk of the Socceroos “golden generation” were pioneers of the National Soccer League. This era produced goalkeepers in the class of Mark Schwarzer, Željko Kalac, Mark Bosnich and Michael Petkovic through the NSL; in addition Brad Jones and Adam Federici developed their attributes overseas.

The A-League has yet to produce a comparable calibre of Socceroos players in comparison to the golden generation, however if we look towards the goalkeeping stocks domestically, there is much talent waiting. Four goalkeepers that have initiated the way in the A-League are Michael Theoklitos, Eugene Galeković, Clint Bolton and Mitch Langerak.

Theoklitos, 29, has been sensational since his return to the A-League this season. His form for the Brisbane Roar is an accurate reflection of why his team sits at the top of the table. Although Theoklitos had a troubled time overseas, he is unquestionably a class keeper who has all the attributes a keeper desires-excellent shot-stopper, quick off his line- consistent in the air and has an enormous influence with the defensive duties.

Galeković, 29, seemingly the third choice goalkeeper for the Socceroos and was part of the 2010 World Cup squad has had a terrific few years since playing second fiddle at Melbourne Victory.

His performances for Adelaide United in the A-League and Asian Champions League campaigns brought about his Socceroos status. He played a major role in assisting Adelaide to the Final of the ACL in 2008. His palpable consistency and authority on the pitch are major reasons why clubs around Asia were demanding his services before signing an extension with Adelaide. A class act nonetheless.

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Bolton, 35, the two time Championship winner with Sydney FC was instrumental in the Sky Blues’ success. A veteran goalkeeper who is capable of pulling off brilliant saves and is able to command his defence reasonably well.

Although he’s had a couple of patchy performances of late with Melbourne Heart, he’s a formidable presence and often a match-winner.

Who could forget the brilliant feats of Melbourne Victory’s Langerak, 22, last season?

After losing out the number one spot to Glen Moss, he won his position back in the team and cemented the goalkeeping role during the season. His exceptional performances and ability to command his defence at such a young age exemplified a strong maturity within Langerak’s character.

He played a major role in Victory’s successful season, where they lost the Premiership by a point and the Grand Final on penalties both to arch rival Sydney FC. Conversely, he was rewarded with a transfer to the prestigious German club Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.

With goalkeepers renowned for maturing at a later age, Langerak has a bright future ahead of him. Many football pundits are predicting him to capture the Socceroos guard in the next few years.

It’s hard to argue against it.

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The A-League is currently developing some great young goalkeepers, amid Matthew Ryan (18 years, Central Coast Mariners), Tando Velaphi (23, Perth Glory), Danny Vukovic (25, Wellington Phoenix) and Ben Kennedy (23, Newcastle Jets) just to name a few.

It is evident that Australian football has been able to develop a high calibre of Australia goalkeepers throughout the last decade. The A-League is no exception. It’s an area where we have remarkable depth in comparison to our attacking and defensive options.

That depth has been apparent for many years, and looks to further blossom within the next generation of players.

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