[sullydnl]

What about what I have said is wrong? I'm curious. So in your head "if De Gea didn't save it nobody could". If only football was that simple. I can 100% guarantee you that he is kicking himself over that goal. With a left footer taking a shot from that angle, he should be cheating to his right. I'm sorry if you don't understand this. Watch the goal. His starting position is centre of goal. That is wrong for a left footer who can only go near side....

I'm not arguing about his positioning though. He may well have taken up the wrong position for the free kick, as that's something goalkeepers do on occassion.

What I'm taking issue with is your claim that David De Gea doesn't understand the basics of goalkeeping in the way you seem to think you do. And your certainty that you would have saved it where De Gea (who is infinitely better than you at goalkeeping) didn't.

We all criticise players for mistakes on here but it's another thing entirely to claim you actually understand their position better than they do based on having played the same role much worse at a much lower level.

Unless your name is Peter or Edwin, you're delusional to even be comparing yourself to De Gea.

 

[SadlerMUFC]

If DDG couldn't save it, a nobody on the caf definitely wouldn't either.

This is such a wrong assumption to make. With proper positioning they could. I'm not for one second pretending that I could make some of the world class saves that he makes. His agility is second to none. That kick save he made vs West Brom was a shot I would be left standing still as it rocketed by me to my left. But this goal yesterday had nothing to do with how good the shot was. It was poor positioning and he picked up the ball late. A shot from 30 yards from that angle should never go in from a left footer. A right footer is a little different because he can go to either corner. But not a left footer. It was a good shot, but proper positioning and it's saved easily...

 

[SadlerMUFC]

I'm not arguing about his positioning though. He may well have taken up the wrong position for the free kick, as that's something goalkeepers do on occassion.

What I'm taking issue with is your claim that David De Gea doesn't understand the basics of goalkeeping in the way you seem to think you do. And your certainty that you would have saved it where De Gea (who is infinitely better than you at goalkeeping) didn't.

We all criticise players for mistakes on here but it's another thing entirely to claim you actually understand their position better than they do based on having played the same role much worse at a much lower level.

Unless your name is Peter or Edwin, you're delusional to even be comparing yourself to De Gea.

My original statement of "he doesn't know the basics" is an obvious exaggeration. I forget that TheCaf take everything literal and fail to read between the lines, so for that, I'm sorry. He obviously knows the basics. He just needs to improve on them. He's been great so far this season. But this was a poor goal. And I may not understand the position better than De Gea in all situations. But on that one yesterday I did. I was yelling at my TV when I saw him set up. I know a right footer was standing there too, but you could tell he wasn't taking the shot. And if he did make a run at the ball, then you shift your feet back to the middle. But when the left footer is coming at it, you shift a little to your right.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

From that angle, a left footed shot to the tight corner will be curving away from goal and be easily saved. From that angle, to take that top right corner he would likely have to use the outside of his foot, which he isn't going to do

Depends on the dip and swerve, but its obviously not impossible. Also if De Gea is stood over to his right as you suggest it would make such a shot a lot easier. Fact is with a right-footer there stoof over the ball he can't just cover that side of the goal (plus he has a wall there to do that anyway) - because he has no reasonable expectation of who will take it.

If the left footer stepped over the ball and the right footer took it instead and he's all the way over to his right he'd be fecked. Unless you're suggesting he doesn't have a wall at all?

 

[SadlerMUFC]

Depends on the dip and swerve, but its obviously not impossible. Also if De Gea is stood over to his right as you suggest it would make such a shot a lot easier. Fact is with a right-footer there stoof over the ball he can't just cover that side of the goal (plus he has a wall there to do that anyway) - because he has no reasonable expectation of who will take it.

If the left footer stepped over the ball and the right footer took it instead and he's all the way over to his right he'd be fecked. Unless you're suggesting he doesn't have a wall at all?

As a keeper you shift your feet. A right footer from there can go either corner. If the right footer is going to the ball, then you shift towards the middle. But if he runs over the ball and the lefty approaches the ball, then you shift to your right. The righty never looked like taking it. As soon as the lefty approached he should have shifted to his right...

 

[Rossa]

De Gea has been very good lately, however, that goal tonight was on him and once again shows he doesn't know the basics of the game. The announcer went on about how good of a free kick it was. Problem was his positioning. He started in the centre of goal with a left footer on the ball. A left footer from that angle can only go near post. He should be cheating a little to his right. He also has to do better at finding the ball. He dove too late. Should have been a routine save...

You actually think you know the basics of the game better than DDG?
Also, there were two players there, a left footer and a right footer. Agree that it was a mistake, but that he doesn’t know the basics of the game? Wow!

 

[Annihilate Now!]

As a keeper you shift your feet. A right footer from there can go either corner. If the right footer is going to the ball, then you shift towards the middle. But if he runs over the ball and the lefty approaches the ball, then you shift to your right. The righty never looked like taking it. As soon as the lefty approached he should have shifted to his right...

The right footer didn't run over the ball here, and how on earth do you know he didn't look like taking it? That's a crazy assertion... Visca literally had a shot from a free kick in the first half!


Also look how far right De Gea is anyway... any further right he literally wouldn't be able to see the ball!

 

[kouroux]

This is such a wrong assumption to make. With proper positioning they could. I'm not for one second pretending that I could make some of the world class saves that he makes. His agility is second to none. That kick save he made vs West Brom was a shot I would be left standing still as it rocketed by me to my left. But this goal yesterday had nothing to do with how good the shot was. It was poor positioning and he picked up the ball late. A shot from 30 yards from that angle should never go in from a left footer. A right footer is a little different because he can go to either corner. But not a left footer. It was a good shot, but proper positioning and it's saved easily...

You're having a mare and assuming way too much from the comfort of your home. The right footer taker Visca was there too and for all he knew, DDG may have thought the left footed guy was there to be a decoy for him.
Besides I've seen left footed FK takers from that angle go on the other site just its equivalent with a right footed FK taker (Beckham scored plenty like that to confuse keepers about them thinking he'd aim for one side of the goal).
You really over simplify things

 

[UncleBob]

Positioning is fine, just reacts to it a bit too late. Half a second earlier response and he saves it instead

 

[SadlerMUFC]

You actually think you know the basics of the game better than DDG?
Also, there were two players there, a left footer and a right footer. Agree that it was a mistake, but that he doesn’t know the basics of the game? Wow!

ughh

 

[SadlerMUFC]

You're having a mare and assuming way too much from the comfort of your home. The right footer taker Visca was there too and for all he knew, DDG may have thought the left footed guy was there to be a decoy for him.
Besides I've seen left footed FK takers from that angle go on the other site just its equivalent with a right footed FK taker (Beckham scored plenty like that to confuse keepers about them thinking he'd aim for one side of the goal).
You really over simplify things

I've already explained this so many times. Apparently it's way over too many people's heads to grasp...sigh

 

[SadlerMUFC]

The right footer didn't run over the ball here, and how on earth do you know he didn't look like taking it? That's a crazy assertion... Visca literally had a shot from a free kick in the first half!


Also look how far right De Gea is anyway... any further right he literally wouldn't be able to see the ball!

Exactly...the right footer didn't run over the ball. So he should be cheating to his right. I said "if" the right footer funs over the ball then you shift to the middle as he is making his approach. But as soon as he doesn't take the shot, you shift back over knowing the lefty will only be going near post. This isn't rocket science

 

[Annihilate Now!]

Exactly...the right footer didn't run over the ball. So he should be cheating to his right. I said "if" the right footer funs over the ball then you shift to the middle as he is making his approach. But as soon as he doesn't take the shot, you shift back over knowing the lefty will only be going near post. This isn't rocket science

But the right footer could have taken a shot straight if the left footer had run over the ball?

So if he had gone further to the right (where he would no longer be able to see the ball) and the left footer ran over the ball (which he now wouldn't be able to see of course) he should then just magically know he hasn't shot and move over to the left again for the right footer? All in the space of about a second of course....

Also, what if the left footer crosses the ball into the box? His position all the way over to the right would be awful.

 

[kouroux]

I've already explained this so many times. Apparently it's way over too many people's heads to grasp...sigh

You could explain it a million more times that it still would be a gross simplification of things Mr expert.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

You could explain it a million more times that it still would be a gross simplification of things Mr expert.

There's something quite remarkable about someone not only doubling down on being wrong, but also being massively condescending whilst doing so.

 

[kouroux]

There's something quite remarkable about someone not only doubling down on being wrong, but also being massively condescending whilst doing so.

In the world of Caf expertise, this one takes the cake.

 

[Rossa]

ughh

?

 

[tomaldinho1]

In the world of Caf expertise, this one takes the cake.

In fairness you had a lot of patience to keep replying...

 

[SadlerMUFC]

But the right footer could have taken a shot straight if the left footer had run over the ball?

So if he had gone further to the right (where he would no longer be able to see the ball) and the left footer ran over the ball (which he now wouldn't be able to see of course) he should then just magically know he hasn't shot and move over to the left again for the right footer? All in the space of about a second of course....

Also, what if the left footer crosses the ball into the box? His position all the way over to the right would be awful.

If the left footer runs over the ball, then you shift your feet back to the middle. You have to keep those feet moving. But as it was, he just had to take a step or two to his right. That's it. Not much. Just cheat a little. Then it's a routine save. And if it's a cross (which will never happen from that position), then again, he just has to shuffle his feet. Bottom line is, it should have been saved and De Gea would be the first to tell you that...

 

[dadgom]

From that angle, a left footed shot to the tight corner will be curving away from goal and be easily saved. From that angle, to take that top right corner he would likely have to use the outside of his foot, which he isn't going to do

Easily saved like Beckhams vs Everton in 2003?

 

[SadlerMUFC]

Easily saved like Beckhams vs Everton in 2003?

That was an anomaly. If De Gea is positioned to his right a couple steps and that guy pulls off that shot, then I tip my hat and say bravo...

 

[Annihilate Now!]

If the left footer runs over the ball, then you shift your feet back to the middle. You have to keep those feet moving. But as it was, he just had to take a step or two to his right. That's it. Not much. Just cheat a little. Then it's a routine save. And if it's a cross (which will never happen from that position), then again, he just has to shuffle his feet. Bottom line is, it should have been saved and De Gea would be the first to tell you that...

It's stuff like this which is why it's impossible to take you seriously

 

[SadlerMUFC]

It's stuff like this which is why it's impossible to take you seriously

So you think that a free kick on the edge of the 18 will be played as a cross and not a shot on goal? And you think I can't be taken seriously? Give your head a shake

 

[Annihilate Now!]

So you think that a free kick on the edge of the 18 will be played as a cross and not a shot on goal? And you think I can't be taken seriously? Give your head a shake

Yes, a free kick that wide out (pretty much in line with the edge of the area) has NEVER been crossed in the history of football. Ever. If anyone did it they be so some sort of maverick

You've had an absolute 'mare in this thread... Everyone's called you on it. I suppose I commend you for being so stubborn.

 

[SadlerMUFC]

Yes, a free kick that wide out (pretty much in line with the edge of the area) has NEVER been crossed in the history of football. Ever. If anyone did it they be so some sort of maverick

You've had an absolute 'mare in this thread... Everyone's called you on it. I suppose I commend you for being so stubborn.

From that area they would never cross it. It would have to be wider (which they will still often take a shot) or further out. And I don't care what anyone else says. None of them obviously understand the position as well as I do. Nobody has given a reason why I am wrong. They have just said "If De Gea couldn't save it nobody could" and I'm telling you for a fact that is wrong and De Gea would be the first to admit it

 

[Annihilate Now!]

From that area they would never cross it. It would have to be wider (which they will still often take a shot) or further out. And I don't care what anyone else says. None of them obviously understand the position as well as I do. Nobody has given a reason why I am wrong. They have just said "If De Gea couldn't save it nobody could" and I'm telling you for a fact that is wrong and De Gea would be the first to admit it

Brilliant . Never change.

 

[SadlerMUFC]

Brilliant . Never change.

Easy to deny and laugh. Not so easy to say anything with substance and just say "if De Gea couldn't save it nobody could". If only our supporters had the same blind faith for the rest of our squad

 

[anant]

Are people really blaming Dave for protecting his side of the post as opposed to standing on the other side and leaving his side of the goal unprotected?

This place never fails to surprise me

 

[BenitoSTARR]

From that area they would never cross it. It would have to be wider (which they will still often take a shot) or further out. And I don't care what anyone else says. None of them obviously understand the position as well as I do. Nobody has given a reason why I am wrong. They have just said "If De Gea couldn't save it nobody could" and I'm telling you for a fact that is wrong and De Gea would be the first to admit it

I’ve coached goalkeeping before moving onto youth development and you’ve spouted a lot of rubbish. Highlight is the “no one crosses from there” comment. It’s absolutely a crossing position and if you can’t see that then you can’t have been much good as a goalkeeper.

Were De Gea to make the adjustments you suggest he would have been at risk of more dangerous situations than the one he faced. Yes it resulted in a goal but from a law of averages point of view it wasn’t a mistake but a good free kick.

 

[tenpoless]

Brilliant . Never change.

You laugh but he's actually Emilio Alvarez.. apologize now before he leaves the club

 

[Levenstein]

In goalkeepers world there are million things to consider. Every shot is different. I was bit suprised he didnt save that one - reacted bit late, but I wouldnt blame him so much and get stuck in this moment. His positioning was okay, I think he was also suprised with that curve and these are not easy shots as some of you think.
De Gea understands the game well and basics also. He is a top top goalkeeper.

He has improved other areas and made some very great saves also lately, so have some respect.

 

[SadlerMUFC]

I’ve coached goalkeeping before moving onto youth development and you’ve spouted a lot of rubbish. Highlight is the “no one crosses from there” comment. It’s absolutely a crossing position and if you can’t see that then you can’t have been much good as a goalkeeper.

Were De Gea to make the adjustments you suggest he would have been at risk of more dangerous situations than the one he faced. Yes it resulted in a goal but from a law of averages point of view it wasn’t a mistake but a good free kick.

So if you're team has a direct free kick from25-30 yards you would consider crossing and not taking a direct shot at goal? This must be why you said "coached". This obviously wasn't the right game for you...

 

[Carl]

Last couple pages are a train wreck.

Good season so far from De Gea. Hopefully he can keep it up. Still think a new goalkeeper needs to be a serious consideration in the near future though.

 

[Raven]

Think he's been class this season. Have seen definite improvements in his game as well. Has anyone else noticed he's sweeping this season, I've seen him come off his line to snuff out danger a few times whereas I can't remember a single example of it before this season.

 

[BenitoSTARR]

So if you're team has a direct free kick from25-30 yards you would consider crossing and not taking a direct shot at goal? This must be why you said "coached". This obviously wasn't the right game for you...

You consider lots of things. The least likely of those would be the left footed free kick.

You misread the actual events and made stupid claims.

You clearly aren’t open to education on the matter as you once played the position so clearly know more than those who have got their qualifications and years of experience behind them and clearly understand far more than a world class goalkeeper so stay in your fantasy world. The plus side is you gave the U18 staff a laugh when I showed them this thread.

 

[SadlerMUFC]

You consider lots of things. The least likely of those would be the left footed free kick.

You misread the actual events and made stupid claims.

You clearly aren’t open to education on the matter as you once played the position so clearly know more than those who have got their qualifications and years of experience behind them and clearly understand far more than a world class goalkeeper so stay in your fantasy world. The plus side is you gave the U18 staff a laugh when I showed them this thread.

If you really understood things, then you would understand that De Gea should have shifted to his right prior to the kick and made a routine save. Case closed...

 

[eltigreFalcao]

Case closed...

this guy........

 

[Sylar]

fergies biggest mistake wasn't recommending moyes

It was getting DDG instead of potential balon dor winning, goalkeeper basic knowing Sadler

 

[treble_winner]

fergies biggest mistake wasn't recommending moyes

It was getting DDG instead of potential balon dor winning, goalkeeper basic knowing Sadler

Sadler got more “United DNA” than De Gea as well. He gets the club.

 

[sullydnl]

De Gea would probably have got less criticism for the free kick if he had just stayed rooted to the spot.

Get nowhere near it and people would have shrugged and said it was just a perfectly placed kick from a dead ball specialist. Because he managed to *nearly* save it he gets more criticism, because it then looks like he could have done more. And hell, maybe he could have done more if he is getting his hand to the ball. But the reality is that he was still doing well to even get that hand to a freekick that would have beaten pretty much any goalkeeper you want in goal.

As for the corner, it was quite similar to another we conceded not too long ago. Flat corner into the area and De Gea is somehow expected to teleport his way through the mass of six bodies in front of him to get to a ball arriving in front of his near post before any of those other players do. Either he goes for it (and gets blamed for being weak when he predictably doesn't claim it) or he stays on his line (as other more dominant keepers regularly do in that same situation too) and gets blamed for not going for it.

Because people think De Gea doesn't go for crosses enough, any cross he doesn't go for is his fault, ignoring the fact that there are some balls he should absolutely not go for. It's not like there weren't already four United defenders against the two Southampton attackers all going for the same ball in front of him.

They were two excellent set-pieces from one of the best set-piece takers in the league. But because people have a pre-existing narrative about De Gea, it's all on him. Even Roy Keane (who has previously been vicious in his criticism of De Gea) didn't blame him:

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

But no doubt the anti-De Gea brain trust will quickly be in to tell us that not only was it entirely De Gea's fault, but that they themselves would have actually kept it out as they understand being goalkeeping more than he does and/or that De Gea has actually been a liability across his entire career, even in his best seasons. Because that's how braindead agenda-posting works.