Kasper’s match winning save was a timely reminder of how good he is and how lucky we’ve been to have him serve our club. One thing Eriksson got right!
However, what was also a worrying reminder was the commentator’s timely reminder that he’s 34. I know goalkeeper’s can have a longer career than outfield player, but they do start to lose agility after 37 and that is one of Schmeichel’s biggest assets (see Wolves and England for exhibits A and B).
So, I was thinking, is it time to finally execute Nev’s 8 year plan and find a replacement for Kasper? Should we be looking to move him in to a coaching role and look to get this and next season out of him, or even look to move him on as knowing how competitive he is, he’ll want first team football.
I’ve been watching Ramsdale, and become more and more impressed with him over time. He’s very much like Kasper - a brilliant shot stopper, great reactions, makes game winning saves and struggles on crosses. So is he a ready made replacement?
Or is Ward ready to step up when Kasper steps down. I think award is a very good goalkeeper and a brilliant number 2, but unsure if he’s the man to step up.
Or am I premature and we don’t need to worry about this for 3-4 more seasons? Chill out, let Kasper hit 38 as our first choice and be spending the next 3 seasons enjoying him before Iverson steps in as his natural replacement?
Irrespective of any of the above, what a save, and a match winning one at that!
Schmeichel Replacement
posted on 9/11/20
Popes a good shout actually, they look certs to go down at the moment as well.
posted on 9/11/20
Pope, Henderson or the bloke at Villa.
posted on 9/11/20
Ramsdale at Sheffield Utd? He’s been terrible!
posted on 9/11/20
Thought Ward was doing alright as understudy but that second goal against Arsenal in the cup has put me right off him - he is never going to be a number 1
posted on 9/11/20
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 9/11/20
comment by GTWI4T- some people deserve to get trolled (U6008)
posted 53 seconds ago
You get another 4 years out of him, no problem.
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Absolutely right
posted on 9/11/20
Pope is a good shout, but he’s decent on crosses. Not sure I trust him as a result.
Like your idea Joby. I’ll go with it. Get on the phone to Rudkin and get it sorted.
posted on 10/11/20
Too early IMO. Yes he's 34 but he isn't showing signs of slowing down. He will probably play to late 30s, maybe even more.
I reckon he's got 3-4 years more at Leicester and as such any "replacement" would have to be very young at this time. Maybe revisit this in a couple years or so IMO.
posted on 10/11/20
I don't think we're quite at the stage yet where we need to go out and get another keeper. There will come a time at some point, obviously, but if Kasper does have, say, three more years in him, then I can't imagine someone of quality hanging around in the background for that long when they could be getting games for another club.
As for personnel, if we were to make a move soon then the obvious choice would be to try to convince Dean Henderson away from Man Utd, on the basis that should he stay there he'll be permanently behind De Gea. Although considering they're likely still reeling from the Maguire fee I can't imagine Utd being that welcoming. Nick Pope would be a wildcard, and would surely go somewhere should Burnley get relegated. He's a bit odd though, in that he has a very different skillset to most keepers. He's obviously great with crosses, but would he be comfortable enough on the ball? I'm also not sure he has the agility that we saw from Kasper at the weekend, although of course he has a longer reach in the first place. I always find myself liking the idea of Pope, including for England, but there may be a couple of flaws in there.
But regardless, I think it'd be better to see what keepers are around in 3 or so years rather than now.
posted on 10/11/20
I think if we ever want to buy a player from Man U again they are going to be trying to recoup as much of that maguire money as possible!