Tadpoles To Watch - Goalkeepers

Still on Goalkeepers then, Footie Frog’s second and third selections are…

SERGIO ROMERO

FactFile:           

Full Name:            Sergio German Romero

Date of Birth:        February 22, 1989 (age 22)

Height:                  6ft 4in

Club:                     AZ Alkmaar

Position:               Goalkeeper

 

Overview:

 

It would seem that Sergio is the name to have to be a successful young goalkeeper at the moment, and Sergio Romero is as promising a stopper as his namesake Asenjo.

The Argentinian is incredibly agile and has built a reputation of having strong wrists and incredible reflexes, pulling off key saves at important times. At only 22, a wonderful future lies ahead of him - particularly when you consider that he has already made the daunting move to Europe after only 5 first-class matches for Racing Club in his homeland. A move to Alkmaar surprised many, but it has turned out to be one of the best decisions the ‘keeper could have made.

Impressing in his first few matches for the Dutch club last season, he has been an ever-present in AZ’s 25 matches in the Eredivisie this term. His spectacular performances have helped his team to the summit, and AZ are now sitting pretty, eleven points clear of FC Twente at the top of the league. Oh and did Footie Frog forget to mention that Romero has kept 18 clean sheets in his 25 matches? Sorry! The phenomenal talent has of course gone and got himself injured since Footie Frog started paying attention (again similar to Asenjo – hope the ‘Tadpole’ feature isn’t jinxing these stars!) Even his injury shows his determination to win however, his broken hand the result of punching the changing room wall after a cup defeat last week!

A regular for the Argentina u20 side, he also made an impact on their Olympic campaign too, replacing Ustari, and performing admirably as they took the gold. Footie Frog expects a proper debut to be not too far away…

 

STEVE MANDANDA

FactFile:           

Full Name:               Steve Mandanda

Date of Birth:           March 28, 1985 (age 23)

Height:                     6ft 1in

Club:                        Olympique de Marseille

Position:                  Goalkeeper

 

Overview:

Ok, so Footie Frog has already broken his ‘no players over 21 years old’ rule for his ‘Tadpoles to Watch’ feature, but he doesn’t care. Goalkeepers are an exception – they play ‘til they’re 40!! However, just because the age limit has been increased doesn’t mean it was any easier to be selected – the quality rule is still there, and Mandanda has that in abundance.

A commanding presence in the box, the powerful, decisive and somewhat acrobatic ‘keeper made his full football debut at the age of 20 for Le Havre (famed for being a hotbed of young talent) and impressed, failing to concede for his first 3 matches. He was then firm first choice ‘keeper, and played two full seasons. After nearly 70 matches for them, making many key saves as they pushed for promotion. His performances earned admiring glances from many clubs, and after an unsuccessful trial for Aston Villa, he signed for Ligue Un giants Olympique de Marseille.

He was signed as back-up to Cedric Carrasso, but was thrown in at the deep end when Carrasso injured his knee, making him unavailable for 6 months. This may have phased many young goalkeepers, but Mandanda thrived, participating (admirably) in league, Champions League and UEFA Cup matches – a world away from the previous seaon in Ligue 2.

He has received much praise since he pulled on the l’OM jersey, and has played over 50 matches so far. He has also been installed as the first-choice goalkeeper for the France national side on their road to qualification to the 2010 World Cup, playing 6 matches so far. Many more are on the cards, and as one of the hottest goalkeeping properties on the market at the minute, a high-profile move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs could be on the cards come July.