A goalkeepers drive.

They face more pressure from fans, teammates, the press and coaches than any other player. They are the team’s superhero, when every other player has allowed an attacker through the team relies on their goalkeeper to save them, if he doesn’t, he is at fault. They then face the criticism aimed at the whole team for a disappointing result and still they will play the next game and leave their heart on the pitch. A certain mentality is required to do this. Goalkeepers never accept failure, they’re “lunatics.” They don’t accept failure as their failure could derail an entire team’s dreams. A prime example of this is Jordan Pickford when he plays for England, he does everything possible to win the game and his drive is clear to the fans. His England teammates have described his as a “lunatic” due to his drive to succeed and to help his team succeed, which us fans see through his screaming at the defenders when mistakes are made. This is the difference, goalkeepers are leaders, decision makers and most of all completely different to the outfield team. Goalkeepers make split second decisions that can win or lose their team games and even competitions and this doesn’t always go their way, a clear sign of their drive is when they’re able to get back up after a mistake and continue to play their heart out, that is the goalkeeper.

It can be easy for goalkeepers to think they are at fault for the team’s mistakes when they’re the “last line of defence” every concession can become personal. It also becomes personal for the media and fans who can often put a lot of pressure and criticism onto goalkeepers. An example of this is Andre Onana this season for Manchester United. He faced a lot of criticism by former United players and fans for poor team performances during the season. Despite it often being the fault of a weakened defence due to injured players like Varane and Martinez or even mistakes from his defence, Onana was criticised. However, when speaking to Gary Neville he described himself as taking “bullets” yet he pays no attention to it due to the team being “under construction.” He also said he had to “be strong” and “survive” in order to use his opportunity to “start to shine again.” This shows the perseverant mindset of goalkeepers. Even when the fans hate them they keep working and stay strong so that they can be there when the team begins to play well again.

Goalkeepers have to believe they are better than the attacker and that they will be there to stop his shot. It is bravery. An example of this is Emi Martinez’ World Cup winning save, charging out of his goal towards Randal Kolo-Muani and saving his shot with his leg and sending what would of made the 3-3 game 4-3 to france in the dying moments. But, the mentality and bravery of Argentina’s goalkeeper won not only Argentina but Messi, Martinez’ idol, his first World Cup.