Goalkeepers are often the subject of much criticism about their football skills; criticism which most fans of the game would agree is quite accurate. Compared to every other position on the pitch, playing in net is completely unique for obvious reasons. A deft touch or an accurate shot are attributes that are simply irrelevant if you’re playing between the sticks. Quick reflexes, safe hands and good body control are much more valued traits. Accordingly, almost all keepers tend to lack technical skill from the waist down, as well as the composure on the ball needed to ever amount to anything outside the 18 yard box.
However, that is not a universal rule. Every now and then, we see an exception. Every now and then, there emerges a goalkeeper so gifted with a football, so blessed with technique and grace, that it surprises us. A goalkeeper who is not just a goalkeeper, but a football player.
And by far the best of this very rare breed was Jose Luis Chilavert
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