Good loan deal given what we had. We did very well to get a keeper of his calibre. Better than a fair number of starters in the EPL.
He rarely gets talked about. That is exactly what you want in a goalkeeper, and exactly the reason Boruc is not one of the world's top goalkeepers - despite his admittedly awesome attributes.
So far Stekelenburg seems to be mediocre/average, which isn't too bad for a backup keeper, but not as good as Forster. Tbf, it's too early to render judgment. So long as our defense is as good as it was last year, the difference between Stek and Forster is likely to be minimal.
He hasn't made any goofs that have led to goals (a la Boruc) but he hasn't made any worldy saves either (a la Boruc). Even Fraser let in one or two last season that I thought he could have done better with. Could Stek have done better with some of the goals we've conceded this year? I'm not sure he could have. In fact, now I'm not sure what to think. I wish you hadn't asked me this question now.
Extremely good business by saints. We got just what was required at the right price, the fact that it is hard to come by an experienced and reliable keeper for free makes it even better.
I think we've done really well getting the Stek. Let me mention an aspect of his presence that is vital in a keeper and doesn't show in the stats ... He gives the defence confidence and helps them to defend better. I'm not concerned with comparing him to Big Frazer I just wan't him to be good enough, and he is. Can I also mention his kicking. I reckon its almost worth a goal a game. I hope they can keep Kelv away from him and stop him offering advice !!! (Sorry Kelv )
Hmmm, not sure why people prefer Stekelenburg over Forster. Stekkers is solid and was exactly what we needed after Fraser's injury. But he has concerned me a few times. Fraser's save at the Emirates last season is enough for me to pick him.
I think you should have pleaded the 5th Amendment there Tom. You have plainly offered an emotional response and incriminated your opinion with an emotional response. If we picked players based on a single moment then where would we be then? I'll tell you where we'd be, we'd be playing Osvaldo because of his goal v Man City. I think you need your analytical head for this one.
I like his kicking, like a mortar. Good presence as a keeper, decent enough handling(you're bound to mis-handle the odd shots with the power and swerve of the ball). As others have said already. I just don't see him winning us any points. I can't recall him making an above-average save yet. I just don't think his reactions are that of a great goalkeeper. but what he lacks in the spectacular he makes up for in doing everything else in a dependable manner and he looks unflustered. As a signing for our circumstances. very satisfactory.
I still think we should only have players that have names I can pronounce without having to read them letter by letter!
I really like him, a very important signing in the summer. Hope he sticks around when the beast is back. SKD & Gazza's last season here now, surely.
You never know, he has 3 young kids, if they have settled well in the area he may not want to move for their sake. Very capable keeper yet are there any weak keepers in the PL?
He's a good keeper. Forster will be number one assuming he can get sharp again quickly when he returns. But we don't know yet how long it is going to take Forster to get back near his best.
Now he finally has a settled back four in front of him, we'll be in a position to judge. Still a bit early to do so imo, but give him time and see if he improves. He'd need to do so to challenge Forster.
