Sweeper Keeper

Since sweeping defenders or liberos are no longer options, modern goalkeepers are asked to leave their goal line more often and cover the space behind the defender line. Moreover, goalkeepers like Manuel Neuer take part in the build-up play and therefore serve as eleventh outfield player.

But goalkeepers, who leave their box to intercept passes and clear the ball before the attacking team can continue their attack, while also capable of building up play from deep, are not an invention of the 21st century. Gyula Grosics, part of the Mighty Magyars in the 1950s, was probably the first genuine sweeper keeper. Later, especially Dutch keepers like Jan Jongbloed and Stanley Menzo followed Grosics’ example.