Lehmann on English Keepers

I found this interesting. Lehmann thinks England has a lack of talent in the GK position because they arent educated enough. Does anyone agree?

http://www.football365.co.uk/story/0,17 ... 60,00.html

 

There certainly is a case for it (Calamity James, Paul "Screemer" Robinson, etc.) but when you look at the big picture there are only few good GK from any country. I wouldn't say it was only a problem England faces.

Edit
As a side note, I think the USA is doing well in the GK department. Keller, Friedel, Hahnemann, and Howard all are first team starters at their Prem clubs.

 

I've always said the US is one of the top places for goalkeepers to be found. The fact that Tim Howard could have been a first choice keeper at Man U says it all. Even playing with Everton is a worthy mention on his resume.

 

Agreed. Lehmann obviously had one crappy season. No one was behind him, and rightfully so. He does seem to spout off a bit too much.

 

I loved the way Lehmann acted with no professionalism whatsoever when he got yanked after two bad mistakes in two games, refused to help Almunia, withdrew himself from being a productive member of Arsenal, and behaved like a spoiled 12 year old when he wasn't playing. What an abomination.

Although that doesn't make the status of England's GK crop any better. When Shilton and Banks were in the nets, who would have thought that a generation later Yank keepers would have displaced so many English ones in terms of quality.

 

I never thought I'd diss Friedel but in his Sky interview, the sports guy asked him if Sport Crosstraining had anything to do with quality of US keepers, Brad swept it aside, saying that Prem experience was the key.

IDIOT! Liverpool hired him straight from the Crew, made him #2 to James immediately

It IS the crosstraining, {lateral movement, game vision} as much or more than discipline from academics.

 

You left out hand-eye coordination and the ability to catch a ball (sorry some of my old "soccer is stupid and gay" resurfacing).

 

You have a good point there. What's apparent {to me, anyway} that four year olds already have it but if you dont practice it, you might lose it.

I was thinking that all my HS good GK's during kids' careers played baseball {shortstop, catcher} and basketball.