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Keepers or GK?

Written by Troglodita

Isn´t it the same?
No, we will try to show the difference and what should we keep in mind while deciding to train Keepers or GK. Main focus will be U20.

To start, we have to take a look at what a keeper must have. A good keeper normally have high level on GK, Defense and SP. If we have an Unpredictable keeper, he should also have Passing (that´s what they say). We´ll focus on GK and Defense.

Here we can see a difference, keepers need several skills and with that, change trainings from time to time, training GK is just that. We can say the same to other positions, not the same to train Defenders than Defense, Inners or PM, Forwards or Scoring.

Now, what is the best level for a keeper, according to [HT] The Unwritten Manual (17035223.6)

► the Goalkeeper (GK) contributes with:
- 87% of his GK skill to the Central Defence rating
- 61% of his GK skill to the Side Defence ratings
- 35% of his Defending skill to the Central Defence rating
- 25% of his Defending skill to the Side Defence ratings.

this mean, additional to be the keeper, he uses his skills to help on the defense. How much, he uses around twice GK than Defense.

First thing we can notice is that the contribution of his GK skill to the defense is higher than the Defense itself, so in some way is better to train GK than keepers, except for SP. What we can say is that is better to have high level of GK instead of Defense.

Here we can compare different players and how the skills help by sector. We projected an initial player of 17;0 with Solid GK, Weak Defense, that the age they reach this levels.

(https://gyazo.com/d2a5aecc826d682e4442e7f3ed5fc5f5)

We can see that GK is used 100% on keeper, not much to say, but as GK is used around twice than defense to the Defense, even when we reduce GK and increase Defense, the total sector usage also is reduced.

So thinking in the U20, we should try to get players with at least 15+ GK, that will help more.

The last two are thinking on a NT player, here we can also see that a 20-9 is better than a 18-13.

So, and not saying is the last word, but looking to help further evaluations, the conclusion is clear, is much better to have a high level GK than a Defense skill. Don´t forget to train SP, a decent level should be 15.

Something more, this mean that if in the Youth Academy you have a keeper with potential, try to focus on Defense and SP first, that way in the first team you can focus on GK, that can be faster training. Or if you have a player with solid defense but no other skills, you could think in converting him as keeper, you will just need to focus on GK and SP.