Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible, and if it is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.

Marcus Aurelius

Take a moment to imagine a scenario where there are no limitations preventing someone from realizing their fullest potential in any endeavor they pursue as their life’s journey. What essential principles are necessary to support the pursuit of such aspirations? This inquiry delves into layers of intricacy due to the diverse range of human perspectives, and this complexity holds true even in the realm of goalkeeping. Unfortunately, there are everyday limitations we face individually and collectively in our reality but the good news is that these limitations are in place to test our resilience and fortitude in the pursuit of realising our ultimate potential.

In today’s age of goalkeeping, where technology and the craft blend to drive its advancement, it’s clear that simply being labeled as “elite” doesn’t fully reflect the standard and quality of the skills acquired by a goalkeeper striving for excellence. The deployment of statistical and analytical goalkeeping data has transformed the way we assess goalkeeping performances, but they do have their limitations due to the fact that the data collection and interpretations are rather or mainly subjective in nature. The question arises: Is the process of collecting and interpreting data aimed at fostering a path toward goalkeeping excellence, or is it primarily geared toward satisfying the interests of the audience, the football community, and stakeholders? While the ultimate objective is inclusivity for all perspectives, it’s crucial to recognize the exclusivity aspect to ensure a well-rounded assessment of the quality and significance of elite-level goalkeeping. Furthermore, it’s crucial to make a clear distinction between an elite goalkeeper, defined as an individual employed by any elite club, and an exceptionally skilled goalkeeper aiming for excellence. Establishing such differentiations could be misunderstood as a form of fantasy or speculative theory. However, it’s undeniable that the standards of goalkeeping at the elite level are comparable to those at the so-called lower levels within the professional spectrum. The goalkeeper of exceptional skill and talent, dedicated to reaching excellence, embodies the epitome of an elite goalkeeper and to support this claim, the mindset of the individual is of paramount importance in attaining such a coveted status. To reach the heights of excellence, there is primarily a combination of three categories of the mindset that needs to be mastered, namely: –

• The Physical
• The Mental
• The Spiritual

The Physical Mindset

Figure out what you do, then do it. And do it better than anyone else –

If you want to be great, deliver the unexpected. If you want to be the best, deliver a miracle –

Tim Grover

Here’s a question for you: Do you think we’ve reached the peak of excellence in elite goalkeeping within the professional sports ecosystem? Opinions will differ, especially in the goalkeeping community, but many argue that goalkeeping skills have improved significantly over the past 20 years. Factors such as advancements in coaching, the use and interpretations of statistical and analytical data , and sports technology support this idea. However, some observers believe that progress in goalkeeping has been linear rather than exponential, especially when compared to the development of outfield player skills at the elite level. On a fundamental level, the skillset that has dramatically improved is the art of distribution, which has become an absolute necessity for elite goalkeepers with much emphasis laid on the ability to be comfortable with the ball on feet. Indeed, premier teams have employed this specific set of skills to enhance their tactical, recovery, and, notably, possession-based strategies. However, the proficiency in shot-stopping has stagnated in contrast. Among all the attributes that constitute athleticism, agility and reflexes are still not harnessed by elite goalkeepers to their fullest potential, especially when compared to the skillsets from the so-called lesser-ranked counterparts. It is undeniably evident that structured movement, exceptional agility, and reflex abilities, backed by statistical and analytical data, establish the standard for a highly effective goalkeeper in stopping shots in various subjective circumstances. In this context, how can we define outstanding levels of agility and reflexes as a progressive aspect in elite goalkeepers?

Diverging from the main topic, I’ve attached a brief clip below from Dunkademics featuring amateur basketball players who dub themselves as professional dunkers. The exhibition of their exceptional agility, reflexes, and dunking style is remarkable, especially when you consider that the basketball hoop stands at a height of 10 feet (3.05 meters).

A notable observation to highlight is the average height of these basketball players. While some may argue that drawing comparisons between goalkeeping and dunkers is like comparing apples and oranges, such criticism misses the underlying point. In my past years, I engaged in both basketball and goalkeeping, where my remarkable agility and reflexes were honed through my capability to achieve high jumps for effortless basketball dunks, despite being only 6 feet tall. I managed to translate that kinetic energy and incorporate it into my goalkeeping abilities, such as making diving saves, handling one-on-one situations, and catching high crosses, leading to exceptional outcomes. The comparison between the two sports becomes apparent when considering agility and reflexes, both of which rely heavily on explosive jumping abilities. Picture elite goalkeepers harnessing even half the agility of these athletes, channelling that kinetic energy into enhancing diving techniques and aerial dominance. A mere foot improvement in diving skills and six inches added to vertical jumps could significantly reduce the number of goals conceded per goalkeeper per season. This scenario, in effect, will recalibrate performance statistics with a significant increase in the actual shot saved metrics against the expected shot saved metrics calculations derived from the number of shots defended per goalkeeper per season. The PSxG data input will decrease, and the saves-to-shot ratio will experience a notable increase . If we were to calculate the average vertical leap of top elite goalkeepers in major leagues, it would likely fall around 30 inches. In contrast, professional dunkers boast an average leap of over 44 inches, highlighting a substantial 14-inch difference. If some of these dunkers possess goalkeeping abilities, theoretically, they could excel in shot-stopping and become highly sought after on the professional level.

If there is a consensus accepting this theory, the subsequent question revolves around what kinds of training programs are practical and effective in generating additional kinetic energy. These programs should complement the structured training routines already in place for both elite and lesser-ranked goalkeepers, with the aim of enhancing diving distance, vertical leaps, and reflexes. The question of whether goalkeeping coaches are aware of such informative insights remains debatable. Nevertheless, it is pivotal to recognize that there is considerable room for improvement in the agility and reflex skill sets within the elite professional game. Despite the escalating demand for statistical and analytical data metrics, which have notably influenced the modern game, it remains uncertain whether the current system of data accumulation and its perceived interpretation accurately reflects the evolution and advancement in skill sets at both the individual and collective levels.

The Mental Mindset

Your Attitude, not your Aptitude, will determine your Altitude –

Zig Ziglar

Current elite and professional goalkeepers once upon a time had a dream to be where they are at present in their reality, a fulfilment of manifestation. While many aspired to higher positions or clubs, their current status reflects their mindset, regardless of if they are aware of this fact. Goalkeeping is a specialized position requiring extraordinary individuals to excel at the highest level, necessitating a thorough evaluation of one’s mindset. In many cases, regrettably, upon signing a professional contract or securing lucrative deals, external influences and distractions often diminish the drive for mastery in this art.

Various platforms within the goalkeeping community, such as unions, coaching forums, established entities, goalkeeping podcast platforms, and educational outlets, all stress the challenges and significance of a goalkeeper’s mindset in building a successful career. A widely endorsed strategy is for goalkeepers to cultivate mental toughness to handle inevitable setbacks and challenges throughout their careers. While this discipline is essential for achieving excellence, current educational programs and resources have not sufficiently raised overall goalkeeping standards to a significant extent. The current educational resources and institutions are obligated to provide the most comprehensive analysis and case studies in this specialised subject and, if required, outsourcing its findings for further investigation.

The diagram illustrates the cognitive aspects comprising the mindset, with attitude and self-belief being the most challenging to master among the eight faculties. Achieving professional goalkeeper status entails continuous education and training from youth to securing a first pro contract. Transitioning to elite status necessitates a profound understanding of the substantial responsibilities inherent in the profession. Key awareness factors for attaining elite status include: –

1. One finds themselves in a theatrical setting, akin to an actor on stage or a Hollywood set, where they must deliver their performance at the peak of their abilities.
2. Be ready to assume roles as both the hero and the villain, experiencing both adoration and contempt.
3. Aspire to continually enhance your skill set, aiming to be the finest version of yourself. This pursuit of excellence leads to the creation of a lasting legacy.

The attitude and self-belief approach of modern-day or new age elite and  professional goalkeepers are heavily influenced by external factors and “societal advancement,” hindering the evolution of such cognitive aspects that can only be developed from within. As far as external influences are concerned, the trend on today’s professional spectrum is to focus more on securing lucrative deals as personal accomplishments rather than creating a career legacy of excellence. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for freedom of personal choices, and it’s all well and good, but the evolution of the art of goalkeeping suffers as a consequence. An “elite” goalkeeper who falls into this category, for example, is David De Gea, who until last year was the highest paid goalkeeper in the world before Manchester United released him. Being the highest paid goalkeeper does not equate to being the best, as is evident here because Manchester United ended their relationship, and subsequently, to date, he is still a free agent. Today’s standards blur the distinction between an elite and a professional, making it trivial to differentiate between the two, even with the assistance of statistical data and its interpretation, which remains largely subjective.

Societal trends, particularly political agendas, can serve as distractions that may hinder the development of a focused mindset. One prominent example is the ongoing, yet often futile, efforts by football governing bodies and similar organizations to eradicate racism from the sport. While these initiatives have led to positive changes within professional player and coach associations, as well as the broader football economy, the persistent challenge remains entrenched within the fanbase. Distinguishing between what I like to refer to as tactical advantage play and contemporary definitions of racism poses a significant obstacle, as discussed in my recent blog post, Black Goalkeepers. In that blog post, I discussed the obstacles encountered by elite black goalkeepers when subjected to psychological pressure, emphasizing the significance of fostering a resilient mindset that prioritizes unwavering focus on their responsibilities. As previously stated regarding the three key points, elite athletes exist within a realm akin to the ancient Roman Colosseum, where they must be prepared to assume roles as heroes and villains, recipients of both adoration and animosity, embodying various aspects of human nature, both positive and negative.

As Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator and renowned author, speaker, and lecturer, so eloquently stated in his bestselling book Never Split The Difference.. “When the pressure is on, you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall to your highest level of preparation,” and with this quote in mind, let’s move on to the final and most important category..

Spiritual Mindset

The deeper the self-realization of the man, the more he influences the whole universe by his subtle spiritual vibrations –

Paramahansa Yogananda

In the course of human development, we’ve lost touch with our spiritual essence, forgetting that we are spiritual beings having a human experience, largely due to a modern societal bias against spirituality, particularly in Western culture. This bias arises from a widespread belief that science alone defines our reality, dismissing spirituality as mere fantasy or indifference. By fixating on a purely materialistic worldview, we overlook the presence of a higher spiritual force shaping our existence. Denying this spiritual dimension limits our potential for personal growth, regardless of our efforts to achieve our goals. Individual athletes who acknowledge the existence of God, Allah, Prana, Gaia, the Source, Universe, or whatever expression one is comfortable with always experience a vast amount of success in their career and establish legacy. Of course, success is subjective to as far as individuals are concerned, but the creation of legacies for future generations to emulate is the pinnacle of excellence and in goalkeeping, such milestones are yet to be achieved.

Incorporating esoteric practices and disciplines into one’s growth and development to attain excellence in goalkeeping might seem far-fetched and, in some cases, seen by many as outrageous and insane. However, isn’t the concept of standing between two sticks 7.3 meters apart and a crossbar height of 2.4 meters and be brave enough to stop a football coming at you from various angles, distances and velocities, equally as insane? “Goalkeepers are a different breed,” goes the saying, but to truly attain excellence goes far beyond the label different breed, and that requires self-awareness. As I mentioned earlier, many elite and professional goalkeepers are pretty much comfortable in their current state of being as individuals, with a collective mindset ambition of hopefully winning minor or major honours. Once more, I want to clarify that I’m not undermining such aspirations. However, to enhance the likelihood of these aspirations coming to fruition, individuals must focus on a holistic approach of mindfulness in developing and enhancing their skillset. Goalkeepers play a crucial role in achieving this feat by instilling a significant level of confidence that positively influences their teammates.

One might question the connection between spirituality and goalkeeping, but the answer is quite straightforward: it’s integral. From fostering a resilient mindset to embracing unique training approaches aimed at personal growth to implementing scheduled psychological assessments to monitor progress toward self-improvement, spirituality plays a crucial role. Achieving one’s utmost potential involves shedding old, limiting beliefs and being receptive to unconventional methods. Those who embrace these challenges are likely to thrive. It’s important to highlight that numerous elite goalkeepers have access to the necessary resources for personal consultations with spiritual guides, religious figures, psychologists, therapists, or life coaches. Each individual has the choice to determine whether utilizing and organizing these resources contributes to their personal growth and development or to depend on the specialized services provided by goalkeeping coaches of their respective clubs.

It’s imperative to highlight that iconic athletes such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Novak Djokovic, Usain Bolt, Serena Williams, Mike Tyson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, Sachin Tendulka, and many others sought out specialists beyond their regular coaching team to serve as mentors and guides, helping them delve into their inner selves to reach their peak performance, thus propelling them to greatness in their respective sports. This mentorship embodies the essence of spirituality, providing a pathway to assured excellence.

Conclusion

Becoming an elite goalkeeper transcends mere physical prowess, contrary to common belief. In the near future, elite goalkeepers will distinguish themselves through a superior skill set, aiming for legendary status as they embrace the three fundamental principles. In an era where a goalkeeper’s distribution and ball-to-feet skills are deemed more valuable to top professional teams than traditional shot-stopping abilities and mental perceptiveness, those who lead the charge in advancing the spiritual evolution of humanity will shape the future. They reject the notion of transhumanism as the next stage of human development, seeing it as a charlatan’s vision. Coaching methodologies in goalkeeping will undergo revision and expansion into unconventional territories, as goalkeepers, team managers, club directors of football, and football agents recognize the intrinsic value and benefits of such reforms. Those who resist change, regardless of qualifications or experience, risk falling behind. Expect significant improvements in goalkeeper skill sets, including focus, agility, reflexes, vertical leaps, mental resilience, anticipation, fluidity, versatility, and engagement.

In order to increase awareness, it’s crucial to exchange ideas, engage in discussions, and debate opinions and theories within the goalkeeping community through platforms such as podcasts, conference seminars, social media, and other mediums. However, regrettably, certain segments of the community tend to foster division by positioning themselves as the sole custodians of goalkeeping knowledge. They may refuse to engage with individuals or entities whom they deem unworthy of attention for various reasons. This isn’t surprising as this type of attitude is a reflection in every aspect of what makes up the fabric of society as a whole, and the sooner we realise that through the practice of mindfulness and spirituality, we will rediscover that we are all from the one substance, Source, Universe, Energy, God or whatever one is comfortable with.

Arthur Schopenhauer, the renowned German philosopher, once said, “All truth passes through three stages: First, it is ridiculed; second, it is violently opposed; and third, it is accepted as self-evident.” All notable icons and intellects who dared to change the status quo in their field of expertise had to undergo these three stages to become pioneers.In the next five years, goalkeeping training programs and pathways will undergo evolution to accommodate the anticipated increase in creativity, influenced by the incorporation of mindfulness and spirituality.

An individual possessing exceptional intelligence and skills, bordering on what some might consider “crazy,” epitomizes the concept of genius. Goalkeepers have frequently been characterized as eccentric due to their unique role, though opinions may vary regarding their intellectual and gifted abilities. I’ll round up the discourse by posing a question.. Who is more valuable? An elite/professional goalkeeper who contributes 10% extra to the teams goals tally per season or an elite/professional goalkeeper who stops an extra 10% of goals conceded per season?

You Are The Ultimate Keeper Of Your Destiny

ULTIMATE KEEPER