Question for the goalies - was Grobbelaar that good?
Discussion
I've been introducing PBJnr3 to some of the Liverpool team of yore, and we were watching a YT compilation of some of Grobbelaar's saves. One thing that struck me was how often he caught the ball rather than just deflecting. By which I mean, it would be a certain 'top bins' kinda goal, but he seemed to not just save the goal but hold onto the ball with two hands. Doesn't seem to happen as much today.
Was Grobbelaar special at this? I know his athleticism was pretty good, but I don't remember this particular ability as being so special at the time, and I did see him live a few times, it just seems to stand out now.
Any thoughts? Have ball and technique changed that much in 30-40 years, or does he not get credit he might deserve? No need to comment on his legacy at the end of his career - just the goalkeeping stuff...
Was Grobbelaar special at this? I know his athleticism was pretty good, but I don't remember this particular ability as being so special at the time, and I did see him live a few times, it just seems to stand out now.
Any thoughts? Have ball and technique changed that much in 30-40 years, or does he not get credit he might deserve? No need to comment on his legacy at the end of his career - just the goalkeeping stuff...
PomBstard said:
I've been introducing PBJnr3 to some of the Liverpool team of yore, and we were watching a YT compilation of some of Grobbelaar's saves. One thing that struck me was how often he caught the ball rather than just deflecting. By which I mean, it would be a certain 'top bins' kinda goal, but he seemed to not just save the goal but hold onto the ball with two hands. Doesn't seem to happen as much today.
Was Grobbelaar special at this? I know his athleticism was pretty good, but I don't remember this particular ability as being so special at the time, and I did see him live a few times, it just seems to stand out now.
Any thoughts? Have ball and technique changed that much in 30-40 years, or does he not get credit he might deserve? No need to comment on his legacy at the end of his career - just the goalkeeping stuff...
How then do you explain the contemporary graffiti that “Jesus saves, but Grobellaar punches.” Was Grobbelaar special at this? I know his athleticism was pretty good, but I don't remember this particular ability as being so special at the time, and I did see him live a few times, it just seems to stand out now.
Any thoughts? Have ball and technique changed that much in 30-40 years, or does he not get credit he might deserve? No need to comment on his legacy at the end of his career - just the goalkeeping stuff...
He had tough boots to fill replacing Clemence who was my childhood idol. But yes, he was that good and I loved his quirkiness alongside his abilities in goal.
However, back in the day this more modern affection for punching everything didn't exist, goalies were supposed to catch and keep the ball. Then someone decided that catching and keeping the ball was riskier than just deflecting/punching it away and this became the newer 'norm'.
However, back in the day this more modern affection for punching everything didn't exist, goalies were supposed to catch and keep the ball. Then someone decided that catching and keeping the ball was riskier than just deflecting/punching it away and this became the newer 'norm'.
As a former very good goalkeeper, yes he was excellent. And the catching point is well made, I really don't like the modern style of flapping about at something that should be easily catchable.
I remember an interview he gave where he said his nickname was Bruce Dropalot. Which couldn't have been further from the truth.
Couldn't stand Southall (what an untidy fella) or Shilton (unathletic). Pains me to say but either Cech or Lehman were the best.
I remember an interview he gave where he said his nickname was Bruce Dropalot. Which couldn't have been further from the truth.
Couldn't stand Southall (what an untidy fella) or Shilton (unathletic). Pains me to say but either Cech or Lehman were the best.
I remember him as being decent - who wins all that if you’re not pretty competent. He certainly wasn’t afraid of bawling out his defence at time either. Keepers used to catch a wet ball with those green cotton gloves that Bonetti used to wear, now they have these massive gloves like an ice hockey netminder and can’t catch for toffee. Maybe they’re too big and they lose the feel. I used to keep wicket at cricket without inners as I felt like I was catching the ball in a cushion … I liked to feel the pace on me palms …
Grobelaar was decent, you don’t get where he did without being so.
Grobelaar was decent, you don’t get where he did without being so.
LesMcQueen said:
Very good keeper and made some excellent saves.
Neville Southall was far far superior though.
Southall in that mid 80s team, and for Wales, was incredible. Best keeper in the world for a year or two. Neville Southall was far far superior though.
The other guy who was very good - slightly later era - was Chris Woods. Kept out of the England team by a coach who didn't pick his best players and was overly loyal (sound familiar). We'd never have had the Hand of God otherwise I suppose. Check out his England record.
Wacky Racer said:
, but like Gary Sprake is sometimes remembered for the odd mistake he made.
Gary Sprake made so many mistakes, he's more remembers for the occasional game without one. The only goalkeeper to dive in installments. At Leeds they called him The Cat......because he gave the back 4 kittens.
Ruskie said:
TwigtheWonderkid said:
Ruskie said:
He was excellent for the era. Played without fear on pitches that were terrible and the early era of GK gloves!
Unless there are any other former pro goalkeepers on PH, I suggest we accept this as the correct answer. 
I blame the BBC and their ridiculous quest for balance. So a child is in hospital unconscious with brain cancer, and the BBC give 2 minutes to a consultant pediatric oncologist with 45 years experience telling us why life support should be turned off. But you then get 2 minutes of the kid's aunt who works behind the counter in Greggs telling us why he's wrong. It's completely crackers.
When I want advice on cooking a batch of sausage rolls, give me Vera from Greggs. Until then, give me the consultant oncologist.
TwigtheWonderkid said:
Ruskie said:
TwigtheWonderkid said:
Ruskie said:
He was excellent for the era. Played without fear on pitches that were terrible and the early era of GK gloves!
Unless there are any other former pro goalkeepers on PH, I suggest we accept this as the correct answer. I blame the BBC and their ridiculous quest for balance. So a child is in hospital unconscious with brain cancer, and the BBC give 2 minutes to a consultant pediatric oncologist with 45 years experience telling us why life support should be turned off. But you then get 2 minutes of the kid's aunt who works behind the counter in Greggs telling us why he's wrong. It's completely crackers.
When I want advice on cooking a batch of sausage rolls, give me Vera from Greggs. Until then, give me the consultant oncologist.
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