Tim Howard

Goalkeeping is a very difficult position to play. It requires speed, instant reactions, and what seems to be an instinct fir where the ball is going. Goalkeepers will tell you that other skills also apply. Communications is a must along the backline. Premiere League goalkeeper Tim Howard explains it thusly, “At times you have to let defenders know what they need to do. I’m not one to go overboard and start screaming at everyone.”

But that is part of the goalkeeper’s job. The backline needs someone to assess what is going on up field and organize the defense around the goal. Tim feels it is up to the goalkeeper to make sure they are all “on the same page” when organizing their position and defensive play. That is where the goalkeeper needs to be loud and clear. He needs to keep talking and having them talk back.

“I can certainly take criticism as well as I can give it, at least I think so anyway,” says Howard. It is his belief that all the defenders need to keep in communication. That way they can share in the praise when it’s deserved. “Obviously you have to be a shot-stopper – that’s the essence of being a goalkeeper,” he goes on, “The communication part of keeping is very important.”

Even when a goal is conceded, Tim Howard doesn’t look to cast blame elsewhere. “I try and look at myself first to see where I went wrong because I ask a lot of myself.” It is a part of the winning strategy he uses. Even mistakes can be turned into experience and that is what keeps him motivated to be the best goalkeeper in the League.