When we think about soccer players, we often picture them as shorter and lighter than athletes from other sports. While this may hold true for field players, goalkeepers break the mold with their towering presence. So, what is the average goalkeeper height and weight? After analyzing 45 of the world’s best goalkeepers, I found that the average goalkeeper stands at 1.89 meters (6.2 feet) tall and weighs 83 kilograms (184 pounds).
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At first glance, it’s evident that goalkeepers are tall, although not as tall as basketball NBA players. They are also relatively lightweight compared to their height. In fact, most soccer goalkeepers are heavier than their teammates, but still lighter than American football players.
Unveiling the Investigation
To conduct my investigation, I delved into the realm of Panini Sticker albums. As I flipped through the pages, I noticed that goalkeepers consistently stood out as the tallest players on their respective teams. Inspired by this observation, I created an Excel sheet and recorded the heights and weights of the goalkeepers participating in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as well as some legendary goalkeepers.
Seeing the heights in person was a revelation. For example, Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas, whom I previously believed to be short, measure up at 1.85 meters (6.1 feet). Surprisingly, even at this height, he is considered one of the shorter goalkeepers in the tournament. This revelation shattered my assumptions and emphasized the remarkable height of these athletes.
The shortest goalkeepers in my investigation were Shusaku Nishikawa (Japan), David Ospina (Colombia), Aymen Mathlouthi (Tunisia), Yan Sommer (Switzerland), and Diego Ochoa (Mexico), all standing at 1.83 meters (6.0 feet). While not towering, they still surpass the average height of most field players.
On the other end of the spectrum, the tallest goalkeeper in the investigation was Thibaut Courtois of Belgium, measuring an impressive 1.99 meters (6.5 feet). Though towering for a soccer player, he falls short of the average NBA player’s height.
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Summing up the data, the average goalkeeper stands at 1.89 meters (6.2 feet) and weighs 83 kilograms (184 pounds). The ideal prototype of a goalkeeper leans towards a tall and slender physique.
Debunking the Height Myth
Does height truly matter for goalkeepers? While being tall can provide certain advantages, it does not automatically guarantee success. A good goalkeeper requires more than just a towering presence. Reflexes, footwork, safe hands, positioning, and the ability to inspire confidence in teammates are essential qualities.
As someone who has played soccer for years, I have faced formidable goalkeepers who were significantly shorter than me (I stand at 1.85 meters, 6.1 feet), and it was still a challenge to score against them. A testament to this is the 2014 World Cup quarter-final between the Netherlands and Costa Rica, where Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal substituted Jasper Cillesen (1.85 meters, 6.1 feet) with Tim Krul (1.93 meters, 6.3 feet) during the penalty shootout. Krul’s towering presence proved instrumental in saving two penalties, securing the Dutch team’s victory.
The advantages of height for goalkeepers include an increased ability to cover a larger area of the goal, longer arms for crucial saves, ease in dealing with high aerial balls, and creating a psychological challenge for field players by making the goal appear smaller.
Qualities of a Great Goalkeeper
However, being tall alone does not define a good goalkeeper. A keeper’s worth lies in their ability to instill a sense of security and confidence in their defense and team. Effective communication, positioning, reflexes, leadership on and off the field, trustworthiness, and skilled ball handling all contribute to a goalkeeper’s success. Conversely, a tall goalkeeper who fails to excel in these areas can easily be replaced by a shorter counterpart.
A good goalkeeper must possess excellent positioning skills, making it challenging for opponents to score regardless of their own height. Reflexes and quick game reactions are crucial, as well as the ability to inspire trust and serve as a leader for the team. Remember, choosing the right pair of goalkeeper gloves is also essential for optimal performance on the field.
Embracing your Height
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If you are a shorter player considering a career as a goalkeeper, do not let your height discourage you. While tall goalkeepers may possess certain advantages, shorter players bring their own unique qualities to the game. Typically, smaller players are faster and more agile, attributes that can be advantageous in the goalkeeping position. Emphasize your strengths, become a leader, and transmit your sense of security to your teammates. Size will become a secondary consideration when your determination and skills shine through.
If you remain uncertain about pursuing the goalkeeper position and your height is below 6 feet, consider exploring other field positions to discover your true calling on the soccer pitch.
FAQs
Q: Can a shorter player become a successful goalkeeper?
A: Absolutely! While height can provide advantages, being shorter does not inherently hinder a player’s ability to excel as a goalkeeper. Focus on developing your skills, such as reflexes, footwork, and leadership, to compensate for any height disadvantage.
Q: Are there other positions in soccer where height is less important?
A: Yes! Soccer offers a range of positions where height is less of a factor. If being a goalkeeper doesn’t feel like the right fit for you, explore other positions on the field. Check out our guide on choosing the best soccer position for you.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, the average goalkeeper stands at an impressive height of 1.89 meters (6.2 feet). Even the shortest goalkeepers in our investigation measure up at 1.83 meters (6.0 feet), surpassing the average height of field players. However, being tall doesn’t guarantee success as a goalkeeper. Essential qualities such as communication, reflexes, positioning, and leadership transcend height. So, whether you’re tall or short, it’s your skills and dedication that will elevate your goalkeeping game.
If you’re intrigued by our investigation and want to explore the complete data, you can download the Excel sheet here.
Don’t let your height limit your aspirations. Embrace your role as a goalkeeper and strive to collect clean sheets for your team. Remember, it’s not about the size of the goalkeeper, but the size of their impact on the game. And for all your football data needs, visit Pesstatsdatabase.
Nguồn: https://www.pesstatsdatabase.com
Danh mục: Sport
