Player Review
94 - Icon
Lets be frank. You buy him for one of two reason. One: he is the second highest rated goalkeeper in the game. Two: he comes with a hat. And yes, the hat is glorious, and you almost love to see it in replays. Unfortunately, those replays don't necessarily justify the premium price you are paying, as he has two major flaws which led to me selling him after his 50th game for the club.
Let's break it down:
Diving: Very good, but you would expect that from a 94 rated goalkeeper. Saved a few near post shots as well considering, although I wouldn't necessarily say game changing above the elite keepers in the game
Reflexes: Again, as above, some good reflex saves aided by his frame.
Handling: Not as impressive as I would have liked. The reason why his diving is so good is because he wants you to see the replay when he pushes it out for a corner. Handling wise, I wasn't too impressed. He also punches at most opportunities which has its positives and negatives. When i work from a corner, it gives you that reset time, but when it doesn't it adds that unpredictability and positioning concerns. The handling is also an issue when dealing with balls into the box under pressure - he punches over the player rather than attempting to hold it like Ter Stegen would.
Speed: One of the two main negatives with this card. Despite a history for being the sweeper keeper daddy, I was not impressed with his out of the box charges, nor his positioning. Several times he has completely missed the opposition, whilst others he just attempts a run and doesn't get anywhere near. Van De Saar and the Spanish league duo are much better.
Positioning: Fine, questionable in some circumstances (when applying the speed stat) better in others when concerning diving. Not much to say.
Kicking: Lastly, the biggest negative,and the main reason I sold him. His all round distribution is very poor. His throws are weak and poor in accuracy - I lost count the amount of times he would chuck it out for a throw in when trying to play a full back in. His kicking is a negative as well - you will not make any quick counters or accurate balls out wide with this card. Again, felt inaccurate and weak.
In conclusion, I don't want to come over all Pep Guardiola in this house, but the combination of speed and his distribution was enough to outweigh what positives his goalkeeping ability brought to the party. If you are looking for a shot stopper pure and simple, there are better options out there, and for a fraction of the price.
At least the hat is glorious.
- Big frame
- Punches corner trait, so fast out of the blocks
- General all round goalkeeping
- Distribution is a massive negative
- Punches corner trait is definitely evident
- Speed