SWEEPER-KEEPER

The process of utilising keepers as an 11th outfield player in possession can be traced back to the early 1950s when Gusztáv Sebes created a fluid Hungarian national side known as the 'Magic Magyars', in which their pioneering goalkeeper, Gyula Grosics acted as a kind of extra sweeper, outside his area, trying to reach the through ball before opponents. With regards to the development of the attacking aspect of the sweeper-keeper role. As keeping possession became crucial when countering the counter, upon receiving a pass back (under the pre-1992 rules) Grosics would pick the ball up and then proceed to roll the ball out because it was more accurate than hoofing it up the pitch. The likes of Michels and Cruyff adopted this tactic and under the guidance of modern day Cruyffians such as Pep Guardiola the sweeper keeper concept has been taken to the next level.

SHOT-STOPPER

All goalkeepers are in theory shot-stoppers but what sets this type of goalkeeper apart is their agility, their balance and lightness on their feet, their eye for the spectacular - pulling off outrageous saves no human being should have a right to get to. A pure shot-stopper's ability to command a defence and collect crosses is usually not as strong as the other types of goalkeeper due to their slimmer frames, Nevertheless they are more likely to put in match-winning performances and pull off legendary saves which stand the test of time. The pioneer of this style of goalkeeping was Ricardo Zamora of the 1930's, who was famed for his trademark cloth cap and white polo neck. In the modern game, the likes of Casillas have ensured that the shot-stopper remains a timeless concept and with balls becoming ever-lighter and more unpredictable, the need for superhuman agility and speed-of-light reflexes has never been greater.

WALL

The wall style of goalkeeper is physically intimidating and commanding in the air, looking to take the advantage of being able to dominate aerial situations such as dealing with crosses and making himself appear impenetrable in one v one situations. Prominent examples include the 'Great Dane' Peter Schmeichel and Oliver Kahn, huge men, with larger than life personalities and putting fear into forwards the world over. Currently with balls becoming lighter, and crossing becoming a dying art due to the greater emphasis on possession - the necessity for a predominantly 'wall' type keeper who may be strong aerially, yet is not particularly gifted with his feet and lacks spectacular agility has become redundant.