Embarrassment of riches: who is Ireland's best goalkeeper?

[ifk101]

Hasn't Kenny already said Kelleher will get a look in the NL? This was before Travers started making such a strong claim. I suspect all 3 keepers will figure in the friendlies and NL games.

Will see if Kenny is still around then .... But Travers is getting rave reviews from the local press and the little I have seen of him recently, he seems to have gotten a mouth (which is good) while previously (Serbia game) he came across as timid. Bit of joggling act now to keep all three happy but think Travers is worth another look now. And that releases Bazunu temporarily for the U21s. Can reconsider options for the NL dependent on what happens between now and then but Kelleher is at the back of the pecking order for me - difficult to get a true measure of Kelleher until he is playing regularly and playing in games where he is under sustained pressure.

[Eirambler]

Local media in England now pitching in on the debate (and arguing for their own man).

https://www.dorset.live/sport/football/football-news/kelleher-bazunu-mark-travers-ireland-6727981

[seanfhear]

Local media in England now pitching in on the debate (and arguing for their own man).

https://www.dorset.live/sport/football/football-news/kelleher-bazunu-mark-travers-ireland-6727981
Playing had done wonders for Travers. Kelleher also needs to be playing.

[samhaydenjr]

Local media in England now pitching in on the debate (and arguing for their own man).

https://www.dorset.live/sport/football/football-news/kelleher-bazunu-mark-travers-ireland-6727981

One more good thing about Kelleher and Travers is that we could stick either of them in the opposition box if we need a last minute goal and have a set-piece and they would be more than just a nuisance:
https://youtu.be/7a6ASv3huCk?t=254

[Bielsa´s irish]

In the broadcasting on Sunday on espn Argentina the narrator said that Kelleher used to play as number 9, and he still does when playing kickabout in training for Liverpool, is that really accurate?

[John83]

Please don't cross-post the same question in multiple threads.

[Insidetherock]

four man of the match awards in a row for Travers is a serious haul.. doesn't say a huge amount for Bournemouths derence or midfield mind

[third policeman]

Please don't cross-post the same question in multiple threads.

I think we can be a tad more tolerant, perhaps he just wanted someone to answer the question. In that spirit, I'll try and find the answer.

[pineapple stu]

He was answered in the other thread

[ontheotherhand]

Few rumblings on Portsmouth forum that Bazunu's form has dipped a bit. Not sure as I haven't watched their games but maybe a good time to get Kelleher in the frame. No point having a rusty 7th choice keeper these days.

[ontheotherhand]

https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/stephen-kenny-confirms-unflappable-gavin-bazunu-remains-irelands-number-one-ahead-of-caoimhin-kelleher-41433784.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=IN:Soccer&hConversionEventId=AQEAAZQF2gAmdjQwMDAwMDE3Zi03OTN hLTJjZWEtYTQ2Yy1hYmMyNjg4Yjg5ZmTaACRiMzcwN2JiMy0yM zMxLTQ3ZDYtMDAwMC0wMjFlZjNhMGJjYzjaACQzMTZjOGQyZC0 0MDA4LTQ4ZTktOGExZC02NmE1ZjMyOTVlMmHU5rm3gLOA_7zmO hSKc0agbgaP53gtROK8clfp6W06fg

Fairly reasonable. Says Travers is arguably having the best season, Kelleher turns goalkeeping into an art form (mentions he played him in 10/12 games at 21 level) and Bazunu has leadership qualities and an aura that makes him first choice. Happy to have such a good problem and all will get game time over the friendlies.

[pineapple stu]

all will get game time over the friendlies.
Can't really argue with that at all in fairness.

[third policeman]

Can't really argue with that at all in fairness.

Probably displaying my Liverpool bias, but don’t think selection should be based on ‘auras’ but actual performance and ability. Maybe Bazunu has an edge there too, but I find Kenny’s comments a bit woolly and unprofessional to be honest. Let’s see who performs best rather than who has some ineffable personal quality that doesn’t necessarily relate to goalkeeping ability.

[John83]

Probably displaying my Liverpool bias, but don’t think selection should be based on ‘auras’ but actual performance and ability. Maybe Bazunu has an edge there too, but I find Kenny’s comments a bit woolly and unprofessional to be honest. Let’s see who performs best rather than who has some ineffable personal quality that doesn’t necessarily relate to goalkeeping ability.
It's not the easiest thing to quantify, but I think he's talking about some combination of characteristics like communication with and organisation of the defence, positioning, appropriate levels of aggression, reliability of shot stopping, and availability for a pass that means the defence plays well and with confidence in front of him. I agree it's not communicated well, but I don't think he just means the fellow has a nice smile or something. I'm not sure I fully agree with him - Bazunu has been lucky more often than I like - but his season of league football so far has gone a long way to answering my doubts about him.

[third policeman]

It's not the easiest thing to quantify, but I think he's talking about some combination of characteristics like communication with and organisation of the defence, positioning, appropriate levels of aggression, reliability of shot stopping, and availability for a pass that means the defence plays well and with confidence in front of him. I agree it's not communicated well, but I don't think he just means the fellow has a nice smile or something. I'm not sure I fully agree with him - Bazunu has been lucky more often than I like - but his season of league football so far has gone a long way to answering my doubts about him.

Possibly, but he illustrates it with comments about confidence, leadership and saving the penalty he gave away. It seems to be about attitude. That’s well and good, but there have been plenty of players with attitude and confidence that exceed their actual ability. It’s not in itself a quality that commends selection over someone with a calmer / quieter disposition like Kelleher. That’s what’s impressive about him, he not only shows incredible calmness he communicates to his defenders. It’s not an easy call. and as Kenny says it’s a nice problem to have.

[ontheotherhand]

I'd say he's glossing over the obvious goalkeeping ability and trying to highlight the level of mental strength and professionalism he has. He goes on to say he could have excelled in any field. I took from it that Gavin is one of those people who inspires something in other people and that's a good trait in a goalkeeper, if hard to define at a granular level.

In a competitive battle for the number one spot where all 3 keepers are very talented in terms of pure GK skills, it's these little intangibles that might make the difference.

[third policeman]

I'd say he's glossing over the obvious goalkeeping ability and trying to highlight the level of mental strength and professionalism he has. He goes on to say he could have excelled in any field. I took from it that Gavin is one of those people who inspires something in other people and that's a good trait in a goalkeeper, if hard to define at a granular level.

In a competitive battle for the number one spot where all 3 keepers are very talented in terms of pure GK skills, it's these little intangibles that might make the difference.

Fair point. I don't know enough about Travers, but I'd say Kelleher's intangible qualities are just as impressive though more low key, less tangible even.

[seanfhear]

Tangibles are probably better and more reliable that Intangibles.

[tetsujin1979]

It's not the easiest thing to quantify, but I think he's talking about some combination of characteristics like communication with and organisation of the defence, positioning, appropriate levels of aggression, reliability of shot stopping, and availability for a pass that means the defence plays well and with confidence in front of him. I agree it's not communicated well, but I don't think he just means the fellow has a nice smile or something. I'm not sure I fully agree with him - Bazunu has been lucky more often than I like - but his season of league football so far has gone a long way to answering my doubts about him.
What's the golf quote - the more I practise, the luckier I get?

[pineapple stu]

I think that applies more to the defenders who bailed him out more than once to be fair!

[Razors left peg]

Probably displaying my Liverpool bias, but don’t think selection should be based on ‘auras’ but actual performance and ability. Maybe Bazunu has an edge there too, but I find Kenny’s comments a bit woolly and unprofessional to be honest. Let’s see who performs best rather than who has some ineffable personal quality that doesn’t necessarily relate to goalkeeping ability.

In NFL pundits often refer to a players intangibles, particularly at Quarterback. Leadership, Organization, how much other players respect him etc.

This absolutely matters for a goalkeeper too. Of course personal qualities matter. The world is full of footballers who had great ability and never made it

[liamoo11]

Probably displaying my Liverpool bias, but don’t think selection should be based on ‘auras’ but actual performance and ability. Maybe Bazunu has an edge there too, but I find Kenny’s comments a bit woolly and unprofessional to be honest. Let’s see who performs best rather than who has some ineffable personal quality that doesn’t necessarily relate to goalkeeping ability.

https://youtu.be/kylJ4tZmHJQ horror mistake at the very end of the highlights for the crewe goal at the weekend. Has had a really bad mistake or misjudgement in alot of his irish games but has gotten away with it. Obviously has also made some great stops and very good distribution.

[SkStu]

Fair point. I don't know enough about Travers, but I'd say Kelleher's intangible qualities are just as impressive though more low key, less tangible even.

That’s quite woolly and unprofessional, 3P…

[irishultra]

Bazanu's ''aura'' is that he looks more like a professional footballer than Kelleher.

[third policeman]

Well on that basis alone he should get picked. It's important that all our player look the part. Any suggestions on the most unlikely looking players to turn out for Ireland? Blast from the distant past, Terry Mancini.

https://beyondthelastman.com/2018/10/14/arsenal-vintage-1974-75/terry-mancini-arsenal-1974/

or John Dempsey

https://twitter.com/chelseachadder/status/577032274945929216

[ontheotherhand]

Well on that basis alone he should get picked. It's important that all our player look the part. Any suggestions on the most unlikely looking players to turn out for Ireland? Blast from the distant past, Terry Mancini.

https://beyondthelastman.com/2018/10/14/arsenal-vintage-1974-75/terry-mancini-arsenal-1974/

or John Dempsey

https://twitter.com/chelseachadder/status/577032274945929216

Hard to top either of those. Of the more recent examples id say Richie Dunne looked the most unlikely to be a footballer. Had to overcome a real rugby head and frame to get to the level he did.

[seanfhear]

Well on that basis alone he should get picked. It's important that all our player look the part. Any suggestions on the most unlikely looking players to turn out for Ireland? Blast from the distant past, Terry Mancini.

https://beyondthelastman.com/2018/10/14/arsenal-vintage-1974-75/terry-mancini-arsenal-1974/

or John Dempsey

https://twitter.com/chelseachadder/status/577032274945929216
Why was John Dempsey wearing Maggie Thatchers hair ? ?

[third policeman]

I guess it was because he was a true blue.

[third policeman]

Or maybe she stole it?

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/john-dempsey-was-a-real-trailblazer-p5wljmxqh

[Stuttgart88]

I think that applies more to the defenders who bailed him out more than once to be fair!ah will you ever give over. The kid has made crucial saves at crucial times in all of our recent games - saves of a calibre even our best ever keepers have rarely produced. I'm talking about at 0-0 in Lux (deflected shot, Stephen Henderson was raving about it on social media) and that save at 0-1 vs Mitrovic (saved with his feet from a close range header) in particular, but also others - Portugal home & away, Azerbaijan, another key save in the second half in Lux.

I hate getting drawn into whataboutery (cos I really like Kelleher - but with you and your tiresome line of reasoning it's hard not to) but what about Kelleher fumbling the ball over the line for a corner at Wembley (missed by the linesman) or his mistimed dash off his line vs Cardiff in the cup that could so easily have been a red? Same kind of dumb errors or lapses in concentration, neither punished. The kind of things young keepers will do. Neither concerns me much. If a 31 year-old with 30 caps was making them I'd be concerned, thinking we need an upgrade. Instead I'm relishing the prospect of watching these guys develop, along with several promising outfield players.

[geysir]

but what about Kelleher fumbling the ball over the line for a corner at Wembley (missed by the linesman)
If the goalie fumbles the ball over the line but the assistant missed it, can't we say it didn't happen?

[seanfhear]

If the goalie fumbles the ball over the line but the assistant missed it, can't we say it didn't happen?
Love lucky goalkeepers.

[SkStu]

Yet another MOTM performance from Bazunu today. Pity Kelleher doesn’t have the opportunity to match that this weekend.

1505234081814315008?s=21

[sadloserkid]

What do we think is likely to happen to Bazunu next season at club level? Championship loan? Premier League loan even?

[Colbert Report]

Why not just another season at Portsmouth?

[Razors left peg]

What do we think is likely to happen to Bazunu next season at club level? Championship loan? Premier League loan even?
I've a feeling he'll be on the continent somewhere.

[tetsujin1979]

Looking at the club's they've loaned players to this season - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%E2%80%9322_Manchester_City_F.C._season#Transf ers - I'd say Girona or Lommel in Belgium are possible destinations.
Anderlecht would be interesting!

[JR89]

Be better off at Man City's U23s than the second tier of Belgium and Spain.

[sadloserkid]

IF Pompey go up I'd see no harm in another year though but I don't think a third year in the English third tier would be of huge benefit. A move to the continent could be good for him though I watched a lot of Belgian second tier when I was working in my last job and I'm not sure it would be a big step up from where he is now. I do think (or perhaps it's hope) that he'll be put in a position to play games, I think he's improved a lot this season compared to last as well (we covered Rochdale in the old job too) and regular game time has definitely driven that improvement.

[pineapple stu]

IF Pompey go up I'd see no harm in another year though but I don't think a third year in the English third tier would be of huge benefit.
Yeah, this for me. And Portsmouth are a good way off the playoffs.

I don't think the continent is the be all and end all tbh, especially for keepers. He clearly wasn't ready to jump up a division last year and didn't. But he is now and you'd be disappointed if he wasn't playing Championship at least (or some European equivalent)

The question then is who's looking for a loan keeper?

[Eirambler]

He'll have his pick of Championship teams I'd say. Not completely beyond possibility that a lower end/newly promoted EPL team might take a look.

[Razors left peg]

Can't rule out the possibility that City will want to keep him as number 2 for a season either.

[JR89]

Can't rule out the possibility that City will want to keep him as number 2 for a season either.

Steffen has three years left on his contract so probably won't happen for a couple of seasons. Think he'll definitely get a loan next season but the season after that they might consider keeping him around the first team squad.

[Eirambler]

There's a possibility that they might want to give Steffen a season of first team football as he has been mostly bench warming for the last 2 years, so not beyond possibility that Bazunu ends up as number 2 at city, but ideally he would get another season on loan before that happens.

Possibly then we might see a role reversal with Kelleher finally getting a run of games somewhere and Bazunu having to take his turn on the bench. Bazunu doesn't seem like the type to settle for spending a long time as a backup like Kelleher has though.

[Olé Olé]

Travers with another clean sheet yesterday. It's almost a pity there are only two friendlies in this window. I'd be glad to see all three keepers get 90 minutes. I'd love to see Travers get his run now too while his confidence must be up and he can get over the Serbia game from an international perspective.

[liamoo11]

There's a possibility that they might want to give Steffen a season of first team football as he has been mostly bench warming for the last 2 years, so not beyond possibility that Bazunu ends up as number 2 at city, but ideally he would get another season on loan before that happens.

Possibly then we might see a role reversal with Kelleher finally getting a run of games somewhere and Bazunu having to take his turn on the bench. Bazunu doesn't seem like the type to settle for spending a long time as a backup like Kelleher has though.

Gavon won't have any choice though. Man city will do what they think is best for them regardless of what gavin wants

[Eirambler]

He can only state his preference and try to influence it as best he can. I believe he pushed hard for the early first team football opportunity that came his way with the Rochdale loan move, so it is possible for the player to have an influence. But of course if City were determined to keep him as a number 2 keeper, that's what would happen.

[JR89]

There's a possibility that they might want to give Steffen a season of first team football as he has been mostly bench warming for the last 2 years, so not beyond possibility that Bazunu ends up as number 2 at city, but ideally he would get another season on loan before that happens.

Possibly then we might see a role reversal with Kelleher finally getting a run of games somewhere and Bazunu having to take his turn on the bench. Bazunu doesn't seem like the type to settle for spending a long time as a backup like Kelleher has though.

Steffen will be 27 in a couple of weeks. Think at his age he's settled on being a back up keeper for the next few years and won't mind warming the bench. Funnily enough come next season both the US first and second choice keepers will be back up keepers with Turner joining Arsenal.

[elatedscum]

Suspect Kelleher might have covid. Lots of Liverpool players have had it recently: Konate just returned for the Arsenal game. Tsimikas just returned today.

explains why Alisson is playing and kelleher doesn’t make the bench

[liamoo11]

Steffen will be 27 in a couple of weeks. Think at his age he's settled on being a back up keeper for the next few years and won't mind warming the bench. Funnily enough come next season both the US first and second choice keepers will be back up keepers with Turner joining Arsenal.

Turner will surely fancy seeing off Ramsdale. Certainly looks better with his feet in the mls