By way of an introduction I would like to acknowledge the fact that this article is written from the perspective of a Norwich fan, but I will try to be as objective as possible. The argument which I place before you today is that John Ruddy is the best English 'keeper. Better than Joe Hart and better than Fraser Forster. There is no denying that Joe Hart is a very talented goalkeeper; his reactions and positional awareness give him an immediate advantage over other English 'keepers who typically rely upon "lionheartedness" moreso than technical ability. To boot he's popular with the ladies (i.e. not bad looking) and plays for the media-friendly Manchester City. It could be construed that these factors make him a more popular choice for England's number 1 shirt, however popularity should never be the deciding factor when selecting an England goalkeeper. In fact, when analysed in more detail there are a number of aspects which perhaps lead to his regular starting berth being more nailed-on than perhaps it should be; indeed Joe Hart very much seems to believe his own hype. Other England players such as Wayne Rooney regularly praise Hart, calling him the "best in the world" (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...Joe-Hart-hailed-Wayne-Rooney-worlds-best.html), despite the fact that he's not immune to almost-regular "howlers". On many occasions Hart's mistakes have been overlooked by the national media or overshadowed by a moment of genius at the other end of the pitch, however last week as England were humiliated by Sweden the moment of genius was combined with a Hart gaffe - now I'm not saying that one error means that Hart isn't a good 'keeper (he clearly is a very good), I'm just using it as an example of the types of mistakes which often go unpunished and/or overlooked. [video=youtube;Xh_KNH8QqSw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh_KNH8QqSw[/video] Fraser Forster, I would argue, is the hottest prospect in terms of England goalkeepers over the next ten years. At the tender age of 24 he's still learning the game in a way which Hart and Ruddy aren't (albeit only two years seperate them all). The situation which Forster is in has presented him with the opportunity to continue to develop and learn the game away from the pressures of over-expectancy which come with Premier League Football. Starting his career with Newcastle he learned from some of the best, watching the likes of Shay Given and competing with Tim Krul. As he was loaned out to Stockport, Bristol Rovers, and Norwich City, he developed an understanding of the game from the bottom-up and resultingly has experience of both ends of the football spectrum (a context which many Premier League starlets struggle to comprehend). Currently at Celtic after two seasons on loan at Parkhead, he finds himself in a comfortable situation in which he continues to grow as a well-rounded goalkeeper. Scottish football isn't the high standard it used to be, but this suits Forster insofar as he can build on the skills he's already got at a slower tempo and with less pressure than those south-of-the border. Ultimately, as we know from experience, Forster isn't quite "there". A quality goalkeeper? Definitely, but his slow and steady learning means that he hasn't played at the highest level and there are still elements missing. Will Forster be England's number one someday? Without a shadow of a doubt. please log in to view this image This brings me on to John Ruddy, Norwich City's current number one. Having began his career with Everton (via Cambridge United) he's enjoyed the privilege of learning his trade in a world-class environment (like Forster) whilst also spending time on loan at a number of lower level clubs (like Forster). At 26 he is the oldest of the trio of potential suitors for the England 'keepers position, and this extra experience is evident. He has a command of his box which is better than that of Forster and at least equal to that of Hart, and a cool head under pressure which is superior to both. Having played in the Premiership for a season and-a-half with Norwich, he understands the fight required to go toe-to-toe with the "big guns" and come out the other side with head held high - an experience which Hart has never been privvy to. Playing behind a notoriously leaky defence (last season at least) Ruddy has had plenty of practice dealing with a multiple threats, and knows what it means to be under relentless pressure - again, an experience which Hart hasn't really had. It's fair to say that at club level, Ruddy has more experience relevant to the England squad than Hart. On the one occasion Ruddy has had in the England squad he demonstrated his agility and reflex-action making a smart save at his near post and also tipping a shot over, overall Ruddy is an excellent keeper - although he seems to lack that certain something which is nowadays required to be selected at the international stage. That having been said, I would argue that Ruddy has something which should put him ahead of Hart - a mature attitude and a settled family life, something most modern footballers should learn a thing or two about. please log in to view this image
for me, not only has he been the best english keeper so far this season, he's been the best keeper in the whole premier league. can't praise him more highly than that really
I would have to say, Jo Hart doesn't look nearly as solid this season, I would have to go along with this. The trouble is of course that he will end up at Man United or Arsenal or even to Villa where there's cash to spend and the dire need for a quality keeper.
True. However, how much would an English international goalkeeper that has plenty of time on his side cost? Certainly too pricey for Villa.
Don't think Villa would take him as they have Guzan. Liverpool on the other hand need to replace Reina.
Remember he signed a 5yr contract in the summer too! If someone wanted to sign him then they certainly would have to stump up some serious money! The bloke is a complete beast, really does remind me of Bryan Gunn back in the early 90's and is arguably one of the best keepers in the prem at this current time...
Interesting to see how nearly all Canaries fans now believe JR is a great keeper - I NEVER doubted him, even when a lot of fans were wanting us to sign Fraser Forster. I'm sure it helps his cause having Dave Watson as goalkeeping coach.
I think you've got to look at Swansea for this one. Making the money they did in the summer, they were able to invest all over the pitch, and look to have benefited significantly as a result. I'd like us to hold out until the summer, so we can maximise the returns on any money we do make. Player loyalty to the club will help drive up prices too.
I understand this is a Norwich forum, but it sounds like you're comparing Forster of three/four years ago with hart an ruddy of today. He's come on leaps and bounds since he first came to Scotland. Just maybe not do obviously to those watching in England. He's finally throwing his size about (all six ft seven of it) and ordering his defence around. He's been outstanding in Europe including two possible MOM displays against barca. Ruddy is good but Forster is much closer to the finished article than you suggest.
It was a a few years ago now but I thought Forster was excellent during his time at Norwich. Seemed to be his clearance kicking that needed the most attention at the time but otherwise quality! No doubt about it though, Ruddy deserves his place in the England squad. I heard Hodgson was at the ground on Sat too.
