Am I being Krul on Given?

Now, before I start, don't get me wrong, I love Shay Given. The years of top quality service that he gave us will never be forgotten and, quite rightly, he will forever be held in high esteem by Newcastle fans.

After reading any number of articles about our superb defensive record so far, it brought me to a conversation I have had with a friend of mine about Given, which subsequently got me thinking about Krul. He is a staunch believer that Given is a world class shot stopper but not a world class keeper, mainly due to his inability to command a defence.

It's without question that Colo and Saylor have improved drastically this season and have struck up a really good partnership, but is this due down to just them or improved instructions coming from behind them? I was really impressed in the Stoke game to see just how vocal Tim was and how he commanded his area (I know he had a few shaky moments but most do against Stoke). I have been massively impressed with him and pleasantly surprised at just how quickly he has improved.

Compare this to Villa, who upon the departure of Friedel and the arrival of Given, have started conceding a lot more goals, especially from set pieces.

I personally think that Tim could become one of the very best 'keepers in the league, and really hope he stays with us for a long time. I also think he could easily surpass the level and standard Given set at our club, which is saying something. Anyone agree, or am I getting ahead of myself?

 

I agree. Top young GK. Don't think Krul was all that great at commanding his defence and area before this season, but he's really worked on it and there is massive improvement. He can be our #1 for 15 years.

 

Agree, which is why i've been so impressed with his development. It's pleasing to see that at such a young age he's shouting orders at the likes of Colo who has a wealth of experience.

 

Given at this moment in time is still the more complete goalkeeper ability wise, I think he has better kicking, better takes from crosses and his positioning is still very good, but Krul is probably on par with his shot stopping and has all the time in the world to improve with the potential he has, theres no doubt in my mind that very soon Krul will be better than him, and probably pushing to be one of the top 5 keepers, not just in England but in the world, he really is that good at times.

We were really lucky to lose Given and have a keeper like Tim to slot straight into the mix, we've always been blessed with good keepers though for as long as I can remember.

 

Krul is definitely coming into his own and will be a fantastic goalkeeper in a few years time, but at the moment Given is probably the best gk Newcastle ever had and we were unlucky to lose him after many years of good service.

 

You are getting ahead of yourself, but that doesn't mean you're wrong. Krul has all the potential in the world to catch up to or surpass Shays impact at Newcastle, but by the same logic Demba Ba could be the new Alan Shearer. Give it time.

 

I found the debate with my mate regarding Shay's command of his area and control of his defence quite interesting. Villa have started conceding goals from set pieces and we certainly look more organised as a defensive unit. I love Shay, he follows closely behind Nobby as my favourite ever Newcastle player (Wor Alan doesn't count because he is a god, not a man).

 

I've been saying it for years, a good shot stopper, a good keeper does not make. Given was the best shot stopped in the world with us. But I'd never have put him in the top 20 keepers

 

I've always personally found the knocking of Shays control of his defense odd, as a longtime match-goer Shays terrifying high pitched screams were audible even from the halfway line, so no excuse for not listening in my book. Its just his defense (Woodgate excepted) was terminally **** for over a decade...

 

I heard his screams on many an occasion, it just made me consider whether his instructions were appropriate! Can't disagree on the defence though, he saved us many a time with the likes of Bramble, Boumsong, Moore etc etc. We've had some truly awful centre halves.

 

Careful. I remember a lot of people saying Andy Carroll can be our #9 for the next 10 years.

But I'm a massive Krul fan. Hopefully he can get the number one spot in the Dutch team and get us into Europe. Then he'll have no reason to leave.

 

Given is a world class keeper, not just a world class shot stopper. He commands a defence better than many realise but we just put **** in front of him year upon year. I believe Krul will surpass Givens level though because I think he will be one of the best keepers in the world with time. Obviously ther eis no way of knowing how things will go but I couldn't put a limit on the level Krul could reach such is the promise.

 

The thing is though, we've had some decent ones. Coloccini would be on that list if he hadn't stayed, and look how he's done post-Given. I think our crap defence was a mix of three things; often having very bad defenders, Given not coming for corners and being a complete keeper in general, and disgracefully bad tactics.

 

Agree...Hope Krul can stay and maybe finish his career with us...But did you guys btw see his howler against Stoke? He almost threw down a cross into his own net... Luckily the angle he threw wasn't towards the goal

 

If it was a choice between Given and Krul, regardless of age and ability, I'd have Krul. He is in my opinion, a far better keeper! Some of the saves he's made this season have been ridiculous and look at him V Stoke - brave and willing (granted he made the odd mistake, but at least he got himself in to the position to do so - Given wouldn't have!)

 

Krul is a very good keeper who has a few quirks in his overall game that need to be rectified such as kicking but time is on his side and we've already seen that he's willing to put in the effort to improve overall.

I still recall his first full game vs Palermo and then I knew we had a gem on our hands given the right training and development.

 

Plus, is it just me or has Timmy beefed up a bit this season? He seems to be an imposing figure. I possibly just didn't pay attention to his stature before but I remember when Spurs got their penalty at SJP, I looked at him in goal and he looked huge!

 

Given is a tremendous shot stopper, but Krul is better at taking crosses. Six of one half a dozen of the other in my opinion, but hopefully Krul can improve even more to become world class.

Note: I don't think either are World Class overall keepers (yet in Krul's case)

 

Haha yeah he had it in his hands and could've just fell back with it but for some reason freaked out and threw it out. He gets away with it though considering the ridiculous aerial bombardment he withstood that night. He came and claimed many ones that were way more tricky than that.

 

Some credit might have to go to our GK coach Andy Woodman who Pardew brought in last Dec,though it could be just a coincidence that Krul has got better since he's come on board.