06 Feb 2020 15:29:51
We talk about clear outs and problems with the team or who's doing well, and i thought it might be interesting to go through the team one by one to get peoples opinions on specific traits and comparing them to players in the same position other top half teams, rather than the normal general views repeatedly!
For instance, I'll start with Leno as there's less discussion about him (and I know little so would be interestedin others opinions/ observations) .
For me, he's shown excellent reflexes/ show-stopping ability. I've not seen any real command of the defence. He's had a real tendency to commit to punching the ball from corners (and missing) but I'd be interested to see if that was due lack of confidence in the defence, poor judgment which can be trained, or a longter weakness. Distribution seems okay (putting some of the clear mistakes down to team issues/ confidence for now) , and generally confident with the ball at his feet although nothing to show how good really.
Compared to other keepers, he doesn't seem anywhere near lloris, de gea, ederson, allison for presence/ command/ leadership, and not sure if that's age/ newness to the team, not as good with distribution, but as good as them in raw shotstopping ability and excellent positioning (aside from the punches) . I'd have Leno over Kepa, but I think the others I've named are definitely better right now, although de gea and lloris seem to be on a decline imo. Leno doesn't seem a huge amount better than Fabianski or Schmeichel (or Cech or ospina did worh our defence) , but I guess it's how he performs with a better defence that will really show us.
Personally, I think he's doing a decent job, and no huge concerns, just not setting the world alight. Until we've got the rest of the team settled I don't think we'll know, but I'm happy to have him and hope he develops but not sure if he'll be an elite keeper.
Anyone else any observations or know a thing or two about keeping and want to enlighten me?
06 Feb 2020 18:10:28
Hi Jim,
I jump out in front of a train on Leno as I’m not sure he’s the right keeper for us, at present he’s perfect as we allow opponents to unload on our goal so shot stopping in key. However, I don’t rate him on crosses, decision making and commanding the box. I’m not sure he bosses the defence either. I think we probably have bigger issues at the moment and may be he can develop those skills. Hope so and I hope we reduce the number of shots against us. I remember interacting with the Eds about players being a better fit at certain clubs due to how they play. Think he’s one of these - great shot stopping stats.
ðŸ‘.
06 Feb 2020 18:57:28
Solid keeper, decent distribution and right age. No complaints.
06 Feb 2020 19:37:42
He's as good as most in my opinion even though not in the top bracket of elite keepers, be hard pushed to find better we could both afford and attract.
All keepers make errors and Leno has faced more than his fair share of action during his 18 months with us in which to make errors.
06 Feb 2020 20:00:04
Sy and 62, Unsurprisingly, I think I agree with that.
911, do you think his distribution is actually good? I've not been convinced and the only thing I could say is that he seems pretty calm playing out from the back under pressure. using the leeds keeper as an example, he had noticeably good distribution - not just picking a good pass, but also the right pass to set things going.
06 Feb 2020 20:14:25
Hi Jim loving your brilliant idea to you go through the players one by one and invite people's views on them, well done geezer keep up the excellent work mate and look forward to your next installment which I guess will be Hector?
06 Feb 2020 20:40:45
Can’t wait for Luiz and Matteo ✂ï¸
😂😂.
06 Feb 2020 21:26:53
It's definitely a hair thing isn't it Baldie, I mean SY:-) I'm guessing you are not a fan of rock bands either, more right said Fred and the Mitchell brothers :-)
06 Feb 2020 21:47:53
That’s not the root of the problem. But you are Hil-Hairious.
07 Feb 2020 07:59:38
This is just an EXTENSION to your mean STREAK SY mate :-)
07 Feb 2020 14:43:04
I think de gea had more howlers than Leno this season and the season before, bad defense can lead to such bad decisions imo. I think he is quiet decent but I think szczesny much braver.
07 Feb 2020 20:02:28
I like Leno. His command of the area could be better but I think we have actually defended set pieces quite well as he tends to be brave in that uncertain 6 yard area between defence and goal line. Ultimately he's saved us a hell of a lot more points than he's cost us.
08 Feb 2020 12:51:09
I think the whole questioning lenos command of his area is purely created from THAT attempted punch which is still fresh in peoples minds, one thing I would say is I feel Leno has saved us far more points this season than many other gk’s have their respective teams, I’m very happy with Leno and being relatively young for a gk think he has a lot more to come.
08 Feb 2020 14:01:58
Wire, yep, I agree. Marshall too, but that punch and a few others I looked at separately simply as mistakes tbh. By command of the area I meant more organising the defence and taking ownership when the balls in the box. Not that he hasn't taken charge, but I can't always see it (or hear it) and wonder if he's been deferring to Luiz or mustafi who are naturally vocal, or trusting individuals to do their job without direction, and therefore some cases of confusion?