SUMMARY
- The style of goalkeeping in soccer has undergone several changes throughout the years.
- In today's world, sweeper keeper has emerged as the need of the hour.
Since its conception, the game of soccer has undergone several changes throughout the years. The history of soccer can be traced back to centuries ago when the Chinese first started playing the “kicking ball” sport, or “Ts’u-chü.” However, the game gained popularity and got officially recognized as a sport in England, and with the formation of the Football Association (FA) in 1863, its rules became formalized.
Over the years, not only were the rules changed or improved, but also the style of playing developed. Ideas or concepts of what a player can do that wasn’t even fathomable back then have now become part and parcel of the game in today’s world. One such idea that has undergone massive changes is the position of the goalkeeper in soccer and the invention of the “sweeper keeper.”
On This Day 1863 The FA was formed
Which is the greatest ever England shirt?
Send us your photos 📸 pic.twitter.com/VM9UR7jzdF
— Classic Football Shirts (@classicshirts) October 26, 2018
In soccer, “sweeper keeper” is used to refer to a goalkeeper who acts as the eleventh defender on the pitch. Unlike the traditional goalkeepers, whose job is limited to guarding the goal, a “sweeper keeper” acts like an outfield player. A “sweeper keeper” is generally very good with his feet, often goes higher up the pitch if required during games, and helps his team control possession.
🗣 Dean Henderson discusses the importance of goalkeepers being able to play with both feet:
“More-so now I would say, it’s something you need to be comfortable doing because the pressing game has got ridiculous now.”
— United View (@unitedviewtv) September 25, 2022
In modern times, almost every team and coach wants to have a “sweeper keeper” in their squad. Although, while playing as a “sweeper-keeper,” goalkeepers are often criticized if they are responsible for losing possession of the ball, which often leads to their team conceding a goal. However, to become a successful goalkeeper in today’s times, a player needs to have those abilities. Meanwhile, let’s take a look at some of the most popular sweeper keepers.
5. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
German goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is one of the most popular goalkeepers in current times. Playing for FC Barcelona since 2014, Ter Stegen has been widely acclaimed for his “sweeper keeper” abilities. A fundamental part of FC Barcelona’s recent success, Ter Stegen is excellent with his feet and has outstanding shot-stopping abilities.
Ter Stegen playing as a sweeper keeper. I honestly do not think my heart could take this every week… pic.twitter.com/Lvt26HuUyb
— The Manchester is BLUE show (@manchesterisB) April 1, 2016
However, despite being one of the best goalkeepers of his time, the only blemish in Ter Stegen’s career is the lack of playing time at the national level. Despite winning multiple titles at club level and playing a fundamental role in his club’s successes, Ter Stegen continues to be Germany’s second-choice goalkeeper. Although it’s tough to argue with the German FA, keep in mind that the first-choice goalkeeper is none other than Manuel Neuer.
4. Ederson
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson Moraes comes next on the list. Ederson has been at the heart of Manchester City’s journey in establishing itself as the best club in the world currently. Since he arrived at City in 2017, Ederson has won 16 trophies, including five Premier League titles and one Champions League title, the first in the club’s history.
In my years of watching football since late 90s, I have never seen a sweeper keeper as good as Ederson!
His confidence on the ball, Pass accuracy, understanding of the game, needs to be studied
HE’S THE BEST IN THIS GAME! pic.twitter.com/z8X5DMHYuf
— Engr Dray👷🇳🇬🇬🇧 (@dray4lyf_) January 23, 2023
Ederson is known for his composure on the ball, even when he’s being pressed by the opposition players. Moreover, the Brazilian goalkeeper has excellent ball-distribution skills and has racked up several assists during his time in England. Additionally, playing under coach Pep Guardiola has further helped Ederson hone his skills and elevate the role of a “sweeper keeper” to a whole new level.
3. Gyula Grosics
While most of today’s younger soccer fans might now remember Gyula Grosics’ name, the late Hungarian international is considered to be one of the “sweeper keeper” pioneers. Interestingly, Grosics also fought in World War II and was a prisoner of war captured by the American forces. During his career, Grosics played for clubs like Budapest Honvéd FC and Tatabánya Bányász SC and had an incredibly successful national team career.
Nicknamed the ‘Black Panther’, Gyula Grosics was a part of the Hungarian team that clinched the gold medal at the 1952 Olympic Games. With Grosics in the team, Hungary also reached the final of the 1954 World Cup, where they were defeated 3-2 by West Germany. Grosics passed away on June 13, 2014, at the age of 88 after suffering from cardiac and lung issues.
2. Lev Yashin
It’s impossible to talk about goalkeepers without mentioning the legendary Lev Yashin! Popularly known as the ‘Black Spider’ because of his attire, Yashin to date remains the only goalkeeper to have even won the Ballon d’Or. Yashin was one of the first few goalkeepers who incorporated the playing styles of sweeper keepers before it even became a thing in soccer.
Lev Yashin 🇷🇺
The only Goalkeeper ever to win the Ballon d’Or.
After receiving the award he said:
“I am not the best goalkeeper in the world, it is Vladimir Beara.” pic.twitter.com/G2p3idDGQD
— All Things Brazil™ 🇧🇷 (@SelecaoTalk) March 27, 2024
Yashin won the gold medal at the 1956 Olympic Games and also won the Euros with the Soviet Union back in 1960. During his career, Yashin reportedly kept 270 clean sheets and saved as many as 150 penalties. Interestingly, soccer wasn’t the only sport that Lev Yashin excelled at. The late USSR goalkeeper also played ice hockey and won the Soviet Cup, the national ice hockey competition in the USSR, back in 1953.
1. Manuel Neuer
The final name on the list, and probably the name that every soccer fan was expecting, is none other than Manuel Neuer. Widely considered to be one of the best goalkeepers of his time and in the history of the game, Neuer has had a remarkably successful career. The German star has won a plethora of trophies with his national team and with his current club, Bayern Munich.
Pep Guardiola wanted to play Manuel Neuer in midfield for Bayern Munich 🤣 pic.twitter.com/X9kigfsjat
— GOAL (@goal) February 4, 2020
Neuer can be credited with bringing back the role of “sweeper keeper” into the mainstream and making it incredibly popular. Looking at Neuer’s composure on the ball or his distribution skills can often fool novice soccer fans into believing that the German international is a midfielder rather than a goalkeeper. It is also reported that during his stint as Bayern Munich’s head coach, Pep Guardiola seriously considered playing Manuel Neuer in the midfield.
The 38-year-old German goalkeeper has a glittering trophy cabinet that can put any soccer player to shame. Neuer has won 28 titles with Bayern Munich, including 11 Bundesliga titles, two Champions League titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, and two UEFA Super Cup titles. He also won the 2014 World Cup with Germany and won the Golden Glove. In addition to this, he finished third in the 2014 Ballon d’Or rankings, behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
