For me, you want your keeper to be like a sweeper, so it is important they can read the game and anticipate when it is the right time to come off their line and clear danger. Likewise, you want them to be confident enough to accept a passback or a throw in to relieve pressure when necessary. Obviously to do so they need to be comfortable with the ball at their feet and in an ideal world, be able to kick off either foot so working on ball skills, control, short and long range passing is very important!

Also, tactically, they have the advantage of seeing the whole game in front of them so can see potential danger developing that an outfield player, following the ball or on the blindside of an attacker, may not be able to see so communication is another vital component in their locker...

Put the two together, along with agility, good hand/eye co-ordination and the ability to catch a ball and you have the next International keeper on your hands!!!

Tim B-White
Braintree Town YFC